Rudens; or The Fisherman's Rope-Titus Maccius Plautus

Summary

King Arthur Podcast

Host: Joseph Comyns Carr

Episode: Rudens; or The Fisherman's Rope – Titus Maccius Plautus

Date: August 7, 2026

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Overview

This special episode transports listeners to ancient comedic drama with "Rudens; or The Fisherman's Rope" by Roman playwright Titus Maccius Plautus, as translated by Henry Thomas Riley. The story unfolds on the African coast, near Cyrene, where characters are swept up in a tale of shipwreck, lost identities, and comedic confusion. Through skillful voice acting and dramatic narration, we follow the fate of two young women, Palaestra and Ampalisca, after their abduction by the unscrupulous procurer Labrax, a fierce storm, and their eventual quest for justice, identity, and freedom.

The episode weaves themes of fate, virtue, piety, and social justice, blending Plautus's hallmark humor with affecting reunions and sly satire. The comedic tone is maintained throughout, with moments of suspense, reflection on justice, and lively banter.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

Prologue: Fate & Divine Oversight

[03:48] Arcturus

• The god Arcturus addresses the audience, explaining the gods' role in observing mortals and ensuring justice, especially for those who would perjure themselves or act unvirtuously.
• Quote: "No petition of the perjured is acceptable to [Jove]. If any person that is supplicating the deities is pious, he will more easily procure pardon for himself than he that is wicked."

Act I: Shipwreck, Loss, and Safe Harbor

[06:54] - [25:05]

• Daemones, an exiled Athenian, now lives near the coast, having lost his daughter years ago.
• Labrax, a procurer, breaks a vow to the Athenian youth Placidippus and attempts to abduct Palaestra (the young woman Placidippus loves) and Ampalisca to Sicily.
• The god Arcturus intervenes, unleashing a storm that wrecks Labrax’s ship. The procurer and his companion Charmides are cast ashore. Palaestra and Ampalisca, separated and desperate, are also washed up, lamenting their fate and praying for rescue.
• The benevolent priestess Ptolemocratia welcomes the drenched women into the temple of Venus, providing them shelter after their ordeal.

Memorable Moment

• [25:05] Palaestra’s Lament: "Has this then pleased the deity, that I, clad in this guise, should in my terror be cast upon a spot unknown? ... if after this fashion you pay honour to the guiltless?"

Act II: Deception, Frustration, and the Quest for Justice

[39:53] - [79:01]

• Tracalio, servant to Placidippus, investigates the disappearance of his master’s beloved and discovers the truth through conversation with Ampalisca.
• Comic Interplay: The banter between Tracalio and Grippus (Daemones's servant) centers on philosophical questions of property and spoils of shipwreck.
• Scapanio’s advances towards Ampalisca introduce crude humor and reinforce his “impudent servant” persona.
• Labrax and Charmides, wet and miserable, argue about their losses, blaming one another for their situation.
• Labrax forcibly enters the temple, seeking to reclaim the girls, but is repelled. The women cling to the altar of Venus, seeking sanctuary from his grasp.

Notable Quote

• [66:06] Scapanio: "What to do is this? I'd like to know that two young women here in the temple in tears, are holding in their embraces the statue of Venus, dreading I know not what, in their wretchedness."

Act III: Sanctuary & Recognition

[79:01] - [139:29]

• With tensions high, the local laws and religious customs prevent Labrax from forcibly removing the women from the altar.
• Tracalio appeals to Daemones for protection. A legal and physical standoff unfolds, as the girls’ freedom and true status become the episode's central concern.
• The discovery of a distinctive casket containing tokens for Palaestra’s identification leads to the powerful recognition scene:
  • [136:26] Palaestra reveals her father's name engraved on the miniature sword: "Demones."
  • [138:07] Daemones: "Blessings on you. I am that father who begot you. I am Daemones. And see your mother Daedalus is in the house there..."

Memorable Moment

• [138:17] The emotional revelation and embrace between Daemones and Palaestra, restoring lost family ties and bringing the plot towards resolution.

Act IV: The Wallet Dispute & Questions of Ownership

[140:40] - [146:39]

• Grippus, believing he has found treasure in the wallet fished from the sea, dreams of wealth and freedom.
• Tracalio and Grippus argue about the right to the found wallet, with witty back-and-forth over whether a wallet can be considered a “fish” and thus common property.
• Daemones, as arbitrator, oversees the resolution, demands opening the wallet to reveal its contents, and ensures that the casket inside returns to its rightful owner.
• Themes of property law, honesty, and servant-master relations surface:
  • [144:51] Daemones: "O Grippus. Grippus. In the life of man very many traps there are..."

Act V: Resolution, Freedom, and Comic Justice

[147:55] - [167:20]

• Placidippus joyfully learns that Palaestra, now proven to be freeborn and Daemones’s daughter, will marry him.
• Grippus and Labrax negotiate (and squabble) over the reward for returning the lost wallet. Labrax, true to his unscrupulous character, tries to evade payment.
• Daemones mediates: he divides the reward so Grippus earns his freedom, and Ampalisca (the second rescued woman) is freed as well.
• The story closes with reconciliation, restored honor, a comedic jab at the audience, and an invitation to join in festivities—16 years hence.

Final Memorable Lines

• [166:42] Daemones: "Spectators, I would invite you to dinner as well, were it not that I am going to give nothing, and that there is no good cheer at all at home..."

---

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Divine Justice:
  • Arcturus [03:48]: "Now the reason which I have come hither, I will disclose to you first."
• On Human Suffering:
  • Palaestra [25:05]: "Has this then pleased the deity...that I, clad in this guise, should in my terror be cast upon a spot unknown?"
• On Legal/Ethical Claims:
  • Tracalio [114:09]: "If the owner comes, shan't he get it away?"
  • Grippus [114:19]: "No born person is there that's owner of this, but my own self, who took this in my own fishing."
• Recognition Scene:
  • Palaestra [136:26]: "Demones."
  • Daemones [138:17]: "Blessings on you, my unlooked for daughter."
• On Comic Fortune and Justice:
  • Daimones [144:51]: "Very many traps there are [in life]... prudently, skillfully, and warily takes precaution full long he may enjoy that which is honestly acquired."
  • Labrax [166:51]: "Did you fancy now that you had got hold of a person whom you might cheat? It must be paid down here..."

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 03:48–06:49: Prologue & Divine Setup (Arcturus introduces the moral stakes)
• 25:05–31:30: Palaestra and Ampalisca’s survival and reunion
• 54:02–58:15: Ampalisca encounters Scapanio; comic “water-fetching” mishap
• 66:06–72:54: Shipwreck aftermath, Labrax’s misery
• 136:26–138:17: Recognition: Palaestra and Daemones realize their true relationship
• 147:55–149:55: Joyous resolution: betrothal of Palaestra to Placidippus
• 154:03–157:28: Grippus and Labrax's comic negotiation and oath-taking
• 166:42–167:20: Curtain call: Daemones’s tongue-in-cheek invitation to the audience

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Tone & Language

The episode maintains the sprightly, witty, and occasionally biting tone characteristic of Plautus, balancing sharp farce with moments of heartfelt reunion. Characters exchange insults, legalistic arguments, and philosophical retorts, often shifting between earnest longing for justice (or family) and playful mockery.

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Episode Takeaways

• Virtue rewarded, villainy punished: The gods, fate, and the laws of men ultimately restore order and justice.
• Women’s plight and redemption: Palaestra and Ampalisca, endangered by lust and greed, are rescued by divine, legal, and familial intervention.
• Comic treatment of morality and property law: Extended debates about the ownership of found goods and oaths satirize legal technicalities.
• Reunion and celebration: Amid trials, the lost-and-found motif and the importance of maintaining faith, virtue, and cleverness triumph.

---

This episode offers a vibrant, fully-voiced, and dramatically-paced adventure through Roman comedy, bringing themes of justice, fate, family, and freedom to life with humor and heart. Whether interested in ancient drama or the twists and turns of a cleverly plotted farce, listeners enjoy both entertainment and food for thought.

Transcript

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[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Act 1 of Rudens or the Fisherman's Rope by Titus Macchius Plautus Translated by Henry Thomas Riley this is a Librivox recording. All Librivox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librivox.org Rudens the fisherman's rope Dramatis

[Arcturus]

Personae Arcturus who speaks the prologue, Read by Greg Giordano.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Daimones, an aged Athenian now living at Cyrene, read by Todd Placidippus, a young

[Placidippus]

Athenian in love with Palaestra, read by

[Scapanio]

Priamides Sceparneo, servant to Damones, read by

[Grippus]

Alan Mapstone Grippus, servant of Demones, read

[Labrax]

by Larry Wilson Trebalio, Servant of Daimonis,

[Tracalio]

read by Inkel Trocadio, the servant of Placidippus, read by Beeswax Scandal Labrex, a

[Labrax]

Procurer, read Basania Charmides, a Sicilian, his

[Charmides]

Guest, read by Ehsan Ahmed Fisherman of

[Ptolemocratia]

Serene, read by Michael Faze Ptolemocratia priestess of Venus, ran by Agnes Robert Bare.

[Palaestra]

Palaestra, Young woman in the possession of Labrax, read by Jen Broda.

[Ampalisca]

Young woman in the possession of Labrach, read by Laura Gibbs.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Stage directions read by Adrian Stevens. SCENE Near Cyrene in Africa, not far from the seashore and before the cottages of Daimones and the temple of Venus, which has probably a small court before it, surrounded by a low wall. The prologue spoken by the God Arcturus.

[Arcturus]

With him who sways all nations, seas and lands. I am a fellow citizen in the realms of the gods. I am, as you see, a bright and shining star. A constellation that ever in its season rises here on earth and in the heavens. Arcturus is my name. By night I am glittering in the heavens and amid the gods, passing among mortals in the day, other constellations too descend from the heavens upon the earth. Jove, who is the ruler of gods and men, he disperses us here in various directions among the nations to observe the actions, manners, piety and faith of men, just as the means of each avail him those who commence villainous suits at law upon false testimony, and those who in court upon false oath deny a debt, their names written down. Do we return to Jove each day does he learn who here is calling for vengeance. Whatever wicked men seek here to gain their cause through perjury, who succeed before the judge in their unjust demands, the same case adjudged does he judge over again, and he finds them in a penalty much greater than the results of the judgment they have gained. The good men written down on other tablets does he keep. And still these wicked persons entertain a notion of theirs, that they are able to appease Jupiter with gifts, with sacrifice, both their labour and their cost they lose this. For this reason is so, because no petition of the perjured is acceptable to him. If any person that is supplicating the deities is pious, he will more easily procure pardon for himself than he that is wicked. Therefore I do advise you this. You who are good, and who passed your lives in piety and in virtue, still persevere, that one day you may rejoice that so you did. Now the reason which I have come hither, I will disclose to you first. Then Diphilus has willed the name of this city to be Cyrene.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

There, pointing to the cottage, dwells Daemonas

[Arcturus]

in the country, and in a cottage very close adjoining to the sea, an old gentleman who has come hither in exile from Athens. No unworthy man, and still not for his bad deserts, has he left his country. But while he was aiding others, meanwhile himself he embarrassed. A property honourably acquired, he lost by his kindly ways long since his daughter, then a little child, was lost. A most villainous fellow brought her of the thief. And this procurer brought the maiden hither to Cyrene. A certain Athenian youth, a citizen of this city, beheld her as she was going home from the music school. He begins to love her. To the procurer he comes. He purchases the damsel for himself at the price of 30 minae, and gives him earnest and binds the procureur with an oath. This procureur, just as befitted him, did not value at one straw his word, or what on oath he had said to the young man. He had a guest, a fit match for himself, an old man of Sicily, a rascal from Agrigentum, a traitor to his native city. This fellow began to extol the beauty of that maiden and of the other damsels too, that were belonging to him. On this he began to persuade the procureur to go together with himself to Sicily. He said that there the men were given to pleasure, that there he might be enabled to become a wealthy man, that there was the greatest profit from courtesans. He prevails a ship, is hired by stealth. Whatever he has by night, the procureur carries it on board ship from his house. The young man who purchased the damsel of him he has told that he is desirous of performing a vow to Venus. This is the temple of Venus here, pointing at it. And here for that reason has he invited the youth hitherto to a breakfast. From there at once did he embark on board ship, and he carried off the courtesans. Some other persons informed the young man what things were going on, how that procureur had departed. When the young man came to the harbour, their ship had got a great way out to sea. When I beheld how that the maiden was being carried off, I brought at the same instant both relief to her and destruction to the procurer. The storm I rebuked, and the waves of the sea I aroused. For the most violent constellation of them all am I Arcturus. Turbulent I am, when rising, when I set more turbulence still now cast ashore, There both the procureur and his guest are sitting upon a rock. Their ship is dashed to pieces. But this maiden, and another as well, her attendant affrighted, have leaped from the ship into a boat. At this moment the waves are bringing them from the rocks to land to the cottage of this old man who is living here in exile, whose roof and tiles the storm has stripped off. And this is his servant who is coming out of doors. The youth will be here just now, and you shall see him who purchased the maiden of the Procurer. Now fare ye well, and may your foes distrust themselves.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Exit Act 1, Scene 1 Enter Scapanio with a spade on his shoulder. Scapanio to himself.

[Scapanio]

O ye immortal gods. What a dreadful tempest. Has Neptune sent us this last night?

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[Scapanio]

The storm has unroofed the cottage. What need of words is there? It was no storm, but what Alcmena met with in Euripides. It has so knocked all the tiles from off the roof. More light it has given us and has added to our windows.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Scene 2 Enter Placidippus at a distance, talking with three citizens.

[Placidippus]

I have both withdrawn you from your avocations and that has not succeeded on account of which I Have brought you? I could not catch the procureur down at the harbor, but I have been unwilling to abandon all hope by reason of my remissness. On that account, my friends, have I the longer detained you. Now hither to the temple of Venus am I come to see where he was saying that he was about to perform a sacrifice.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Scepanio aloud to himself at a distance.

[Scapanio]

If I am wise, I shall be getting ready. This clay that is awaiting me falls to work digging.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Placidippus looking round someone I know not

[Placidippus]

who is speaking near to me.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Scene 3 Enter Dymenes from his house.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Hello, Scarpanio.

[Scapanio]

Who's calling me by name?

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

He who paid his money for you, Scapanio.

[Scapanio]

Turning round as though you would say, demones, that I am your slave.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

There's occasion for plenty of clay, therefore dig up plenty of earth. I find that the whole of my cottage must be covered, for now it's shining through it more full of holes than a sieve.

[Placidippus]

Health to you, good father, and to both of you.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Indeed, health to you, Scepanio.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

To Placidippus, who is muffled up in a coat.

[Scapanio]

But whether are you male or female? Who are calling him father?

[Placidippus]

Why, really, I'm a man.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Then, man, go seek a father elsewhere. I once had an only daughter, that only one I lost of the male sex. I never had a child, but the gods will give.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Scapanio goes on digging.

[Scapanio]

A heavy mischance to you. Indeed I faith, whoever you are who are occupying us already occupied with your priest

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

pointing to the cottage, pray, are you dwelling there?

[Scapanio]

Why do you ask that? Are you reconnoitring the place for you to come and rob there?

[Placidippus]

It befits a slave to be right rich in his savings, whom in the presence of his master, the conversation cannot escape, or who is to speak rudely to a free man?

[Scapanio]

And it befits a man to be shameless and impudent for him to whom there's nothing owing of his own accord, to come to the house of another person. Annoying people.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Scapanio, hold your tongue to Placidippus. What do you want, young man?

[Placidippus]

A mishap to that fellow who is in a hurry to be the first to speak when his master's present. But unless it's troublesome, I wish to make enquiry of you.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

In a few words my attention shall be given you, even though in the midst of business.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Scapanio to Placidippus.

[Scapanio]

Rather, be off with you to the marsh and cut down some reeds. With which we may cover the cottage while it is fine weather.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Hold your tongue to Placidippus, do you? Tell me if you have need of

[Placidippus]

anything, Inform me on what I ask you. Whether you have seen here any frizzle headed fellow with grey hair, A worthless,

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

perjured, fawning knave, full many a one. For by reason of fellows of that stamp am I living in misery.

[Placidippus]

Him, I mean, who brought with him to the temple of Venus here two young women, and who was to make preparations for himself to perform a sacrifice either to day or yesterday.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

By my faith, young man, for these very many days past I haven't seen anyone sacrificing there. And yet it can't be unknown to me if anyone does sacrifice there. They are always asking here for water, or for fire, or for vessels, or for a knife, or for a spit, or for a pot, for cooking or something or other. What need is there of words? I procured my vessels and my well for the use of Venus, and not my own. There has now been a cessation of it for these many days past, according

[Placidippus]

to the words you utter. You tell me I'm undone.

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[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Scapanio stopping in his digging.

[Scapanio]

Hark you, you that are roaming about temples for the sake of your stomach. Twere better for you to order a breakfast to be got ready at home. Perhaps you've been invited here to breakfast. He that invited you, hasn't he come at all?

[Placidippus]

Tis the fact.

[Scapanio]

There's no risk then of your betaking yourself hence home without your breakfast? It's better for you to be a waiter upon Ceres than upon Venus. The latter attends to love, Ceres attends to wheat.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Placidippus to Daimanes.

[Placidippus]

This fellow has been making sport of me in a most disgraceful manner.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Dymenes, looking out at the side.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

O ye immortal gods. Garpineo. What means those people near the seashore?

[Scapanio]

According to my notion, they've been invited to a parting breakfast.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

How so?

[Scapanio]

Why? Because after dinner I fancy they yesterday washed themselves clean. Their ship has gone to pieces out at sea.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Daimones looking steadfastly.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Such is the fact.

[Scapanio]

But I faith, on dry land, our cottage and tiles have done the same.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Oh dear, what unfortunate creatures you are to Scipanio. How the shipwrecked people are swimming.

[Placidippus]

Prithee, where are these people?

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Dymenes, pointing to the distance.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

This way, to the right. Don't you see them near the shore?

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Placidippus, Looking the same way.

[Placidippus]

I see them follow me. I only wish it may be he that I'm seeking.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

That most accursed fellow to Dymenes and Scapanio.

[Placidippus]

There you will.

[Scapanio]

If you hadn't put us in mind, we should have thought of that ourselves.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Exeunt Placidippus and friends. Scene four. Scapanio and Daimones. Scepanio looking out towards the sea.

[Scapanio]

But, O Palamon, hallowed associate of Neptune, who art said to be the partner of Hercules, what shocking thing do I see?

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

What do you see?

[Scapanio]

I see two young women sitting in a boat alone. How the poor things are being tossed about. That's good. That's good. Well done. The surge is driving the boat away from the rock towards the shore. Not a pilot could have ever done it better. I don't think I ever saw billows more huge. They are saved if they can escape those waves. Now. Now's the danger. Except one overboard. See you. That one whom the waves have thrown out of the boat. Still she's in a shallow place. She'll easily wade through it now. O capital. Now she's safe. She has escaped from the water. She's now on shore. But that other one has now sprung towards the land from the boat from her alarm she has fallen into the waves. Upon her knees she has got up again. If she takes this direction, the matter is safe. But she has taken to the right to utter destruction. Ah. She will be wandering all the day. Ah.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

What signifies that to you?

[Scapanio]

If she should fall down from that rock towards which she's winding her way, she'll be putting a period to her wanderings.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

If you are about to dine this evening at their expense, I think you may then be concerned for them. Scarpanio what's up everybody?

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[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Scene 5 Enter Palaestra at a distance with her clothes torn and drenched, Palaestra

[Palaestra]

to herself by heavens, the mishaps of mortals are spoken of as much less bitter than the sharp pangs that are inflicted in the experience of them. Has this then pleased the deity, that I, clad in this guise, should in my terror be cast upon a spot unknown? Shall I then declare that I have been born to this wretched lot? Do I receive this meed in return for my exemplary piety? For to me it would not prove a hardship to endure this laborious lot, if I had conducted myself undutifully toward my parents or the gods. But if studiously I have exerted myself to beware of that, then unduly and unjustly Deities, you send upon me this for what henceforth shall the glaringly impious receive, if after this fashion you pay honour to the guiltless? But if I knew that I or my parents had done anything wicked, now should I have grieved the less. But the wickedness of this master of mine is pressing hard upon me. His impiety is causing my woes. Everything has he lost in the sea these are the remains of his property. Even she who is carried together with me in the boat, was washed out by the violence of the waves. I am now alone. If she at least had been saved for me through her aid, my affliction here would have been lighter to me. Now what hope or aid, or what counsel shall I receive? A spot so lonesome here have I lighted upon alone. Here are the rocks, here roars the sea, and not one individual comes across my path. This dress that I am clothed in, forms all my riches quite entirely. Nor know I with what food or roof I am to be provided. What hope have I through which to desire to live? Neither am I acquainted with the place Nor was I ever here before at least I could have wished for someone who would point out to me either a road or a path from these spots. So much am I now at a loss for advice, whether to go this way or that. Neither indeed do I see anywhere near here a civilized spot. Cold distraction and alarm have taken possession of all my limbs. My parents you know not of this, that I am now thus wretched. I, that was born a woman entirely free, was so to no purpose am I at all the less in servitude now than if I had been born a slave. And never in any way has it been a profit to those who, for their own sakes reared me up.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

She advances forward and rests on one side against the cliff. Scene 6 Enter Amalisca at a distance, on the other side of the stage in a similar condition.

[Ampalisca]

What is there better for me? What more to my advantage than to shut out life from my body? So wretched am I in my existence, and so many deadening cares are there in my breast. So despicable is my lot. I care not for life. I have lost the hope with which I used to comfort myself. All places have I now rambled about, and through each covert spot have I crawled along to seek my fellow slave with voice, eyes, ears, that I might trace her out. And still I find her nowhere. Nor have I yet determined whither to go, nor where to seek her. Nor in the meantime do I find any person here to give me an answer of whom I might make inquiry. No place too, is there on earth more solitary than are these spots in this locality. And yet, if she lives, never while I exist will I cease before I discover her alive.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Palaestra. Aloud.

[Palaestra]

Whose voice is that that sounds close by me? Here

[Ampalisca]

I am alarm'd. Who's speaking near me?

[Palaestra]

Prithee, kind hope, do come to my aid.

[Ampalisca]

It's a woman. A woman's voice reaches my ears. Will you not rescue wretched me from this alarm?

[Palaestra]

Surely a woman's voice reached my ears. Prithee. Is it Anne?

[Ampalisca]

Palesca, Is it you, Palaestra, that I hear?

[Palaestra]

But why don't I call her by her own name, that she may hear me? Am Palesca.

[Ampalisca]

Ha. Who's that?

[Palaestra]

Tis I.

[Ampalisca]

Is it Palestra?

[Palaestra]

It is.

[Ampalisca]

Tell me where you are.

[Palaestra]

Troth, I am now in the midst of a multitude of woes.

[Ampalisca]

I am your partner, and no less is my own share than yours. But I long to see you in that wish.

[Palaestra]

You are my rival.

[Ampalisca]

Let's follow our voices with our steps.

[Palaestra]

Where are you See, here I am. Step onward towards me and come straight on to meet me.

[Ampalisca]

I'm doing so with care.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

They meet in front of the stage.

[Palaestra]

Give me your hand.

[Ampalisca]

Take it.

[Palaestra]

Are you still alive? Prithee, tell me.

[Ampalisca]

You indeed make me now wish to live. Since I'm empowered to touch you, how hardly can I persuade myself of this, that I am holding you? Prithee, do embrace me, my only hope. How you are now easing me of all my woes.

[Palaestra]

You are beforehand with me in using expressions which belong to me now. It befits us to be going hence.

[Ampalisca]

Prithee, whither shall we go?

[Palaestra]

Let's keep along this seashore, pointing to the shore.

[Ampalisca]

Wherever you please, I'll follow.

[Palaestra]

Shall we go along thus with our wet clothing?

[Ampalisca]

That which exists the same must of necessity be borne looking up at the temple. But pray, what's this?

[Palaestra]

What is it?

[Ampalisca]

Prithee, don't you see this temple pointing towards it?

[Palaestra]

Where is it?

[Ampalisca]

On the right hand?

[Palaestra]

I seem to be looking at a place becoming the divinities.

[Ampalisca]

There must be people not far hence. It is so delightful a spot. Whoever the God is, I pray him to relieve us from these troubles and to succor us. Females wretched, helpless and in distress, they

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

advance towards the temple and kneel down before it. SCENE VII Enter Ptolemocratia, the priestess from the temple of Venus.

[Ptolemocratia]

Who are these that in their prayers are soliciting aid from my patroness? For the voice of supplicants has brought me hither out of doors. They pay suit to a kind and compliant goddess and a patroness that makes no difficulties, and one who is very benevolent.

[Palaestra]

Mother, we bid you.

[Ptolemocratia]

Hail, maidens, hail to you. But prithee, whence am I to say that you are hither? Come with your wet garments thus woefully arrayed.

[Palaestra]

Just now we came from a place

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

there, pointing towards the shore.

[Palaestra]

Not a great way from this spot, but it is a great way off from here, whence we have been brought hither?

[Ptolemocratia]

Have you been borne, do you mean, by a ship? The wooden steed over the azure pass? Even so, then it were more fitting that you should have come arrayed in white and provided with victims. It isn't the practice for people to come to this temple arrayed in that

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

fashion, pointing at their dresses.

[Palaestra]

Prithee, whence would you have us, who have been both cast away at sea, to be bringing victims hither now in want of assistance? We do embrace your knees. We who are of hopes undefined, in places unknown, that you may receive us under your roof and shelter us, and that you will pity the miseries of us both, who have neither any place of refuge nor hope at hand, nor have anything whatever of our own beyond that which you see.

[Ptolemocratia]

Give me your hands. Arise, both of you, from off your knees. No one among women is more compassionate than I.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

They arise from the ground.

[Ptolemocratia]

But maidens, my circumstances are poor and limited. With difficulty I support my own existence. Venus I serve for my maintenance.

[Ampalisca]

Prithee, is this a temple of Venus?

[Ptolemocratia]

I will admit it. I am styled the priestess of this temple. But whatever it is, it shall be done by me with a hearty welcome, so far as my means shall suffice. Come with me this way.

[Palaestra]

Kindly and attentively. Mother, do you show your attentions to us?

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

So I ought to do they go into the temple?

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[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Act 1, Act two of Rudens or the Fisherman's Rope by Titus Machias Plautus Translated by Henry Thomas Riley this is a Librivox recording. All Librivox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librivox.org Act II Scene 1 Enter Some fishermen with lines and nets.

[Fishermen]

Persons who are poor live wretchedly in every way, especially those who have no calling and have learned no art of necessity. Must that be deemed enough, whatever they have at home? From our garb then you pretty well understand how wealthy we are. These hooks and these rods here are as good to us as a calling and as our clothing. Each day from the city do we come out hither to the sea to seek for forage instead of exertion in the wrestling school and the place for exercise we have this. Sea urchins, rock mussels, oysters, limpets, cockles, sea nettles, sea mussels and spotted crabs we catch. After that we commence our fishing with the hook and among the rocks. And thus we take our food from out of the sea. If success does not befall us and not any fish is taken, soaked with salt water and thoroughly drenched, we quietly betake ourselves home and without dinner go to sleep. And since the sea is now in waves so boisterous, no hope have we unless we take some cockles. Without a doubt, we've had our dinners. Now let us adore good Venus here that she may kindly befriend us to day.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

They advance towards the door of the temple. Scene 2 Enter Trucallio at a distance in haste. Tracalio to himself.

[Tracalio]

I have carefully given all attention that I might pass my master anywhere. For when some time since, he went out of the house, he said that he was going to the arbour and he ordered me to come here to meet him at the temple of Venus. But see, opportunely do I spy some people standing here of whom I may inquire. I'll accost them.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Goes up to the fisherman.

[Tracalio]

Save you thieves of the sea, shell fish gatherers and hook fishers. Hungry race of men, how fare ye? How perish apace.

[Fishermen]

Just as befits a fisherman with hunger, thirst and expectation.

[Tracalio]

Have you seen to day while you've been standing here, any young man of courageous aspect, ruddy stout, of genteel appearance, come by this way. Who was taking with him three men in scarves with swords?

[Fishermen]

We know of no one coming this way. Of that appearance which you mention, have

[Tracalio]

you seen any old fellow, bald on the forehead and snub nosed, of big stature, pot bellied, with eyebrows awry, a narrow forehead, a knave, the scorn of gods in men, a scoundrel, one full of vile dishonesty and of iniquity, who had along with him two very pretty looking young women.

[Fishermen]

One who has been born with qualities and endowments of that sort. Twere really fitter for him to resort to the executioner than the temple of Venus.

[Tracalio]

But tell me if you have seen him.

[Fishermen]

Really, no one has passed this way.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Fare ye well, fare ye well, exeunt fisherman. SCENE three Alone tracaglio to himself.

[Tracalio]

I thought so it has come to pass. As I suspected, my master has been Deceived, the cursed procurer has taken himself off to distant lands. He has embarked on board ship and carried the women away. I am a wizard. He invited my master here to breakfast as well, this very spawn of wickedness. Now what is better for me than to wait here in this spot till my master comes? At the same time, if this priestess of Venus knows anything more, if I see her, I'll make inquiries and she'll give me the information.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Scene 4 Enter Ambalaska from the temple and Pelasca to the priestess within.

[Ampalisca]

I understand here at this cottage, pointing to it, which is close by the temple of Venus. You've requested me to knock and ask for water.

[Tracalio]

Whose voice is it that has flown to my ears?

[Ampalisca]

Prithee, who's speaking here? Who is it that I see?

[Tracalio]

Is it this Ampelisca that's coming out from the temple?

[Ampalisca]

Isn't this Trochalio that I see, the servant of Plesidippus?

[Tracalio]

It is she.

[Ampalisca]

It is he. Trocalio. Health to you.

[Tracalio]

Health, and Pellisca to you.

[Ampalisca]

How far you in misery I pass a life not far Advanc'd do give

[Tracalio]

some better omen still.

[Ampalisca]

It behooves all prudent persons to confer and talk together. But prithee, where's your master Plesidippus?

[Tracalio]

Marry, well said indeed.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

As if he wasn't within there, pointing to the temple.

[Ampalisca]

By my troth, he isn't. Nor in fact has he come here at all.

[Tracalio]

He hasn't come.

[Ampalisca]

You say the truth.

[Tracalio]

That's not my way, M. Plesker. But how nearly is the breakfast got ready?

[Ampalisca]

What breakfast? I beg of you.

[Tracalio]

The sacrifice. I mean, what that you are performing here?

[Ampalisca]

Prithee, what is it you are dreaming about?

[Tracalio]

For certain Labrachs invited Placidippus hither to a breakfast. Your master. My master?

[Ampalisca]

By my troth, you're telling of no wondrous facts. If he has deceived gods and men, he has only acted after the fashion of procurers.

[Tracalio]

Then neither yourselves nor my master are here performing a sacrifice.

[Ampalisca]

You are a wizard.

[Tracalio]

What are you doing, then?

[Ampalisca]

The priestess of Venus has received here into her abode both myself and Palaestra. After many mishaps and dreadful alarm, and from being in danger of our lives, destitute of aid and of resources.

[Tracalio]

Prithee, is Palestra here, the beloved of my master?

[Ampalisca]

Assuredly.

[Tracalio]

Great joyousness is there in your news, my dear Ampalisca. But I greatly longed to know what was this danger of yours last night?

[Ampalisca]

Our ship Was wrecked. My dear Tracaglio.

[Tracalio]

How ship? What story's this?

[Ampalisca]

Prithee, have you not heard in what way the procureur intended secretly to carry us away hence to Sicily, and how whatever there was at home he placed on board ship. That is all gone to the bottom now.

[Tracalio]

O clever Neptune, hail to thee. Surely no dicer is more skilful than thyself. Decidedly a right pleasant throw hast thou made. Thou didst break a fillin, but we are now as the procurer.

[Ampalisca]

Labrax, perish through drinking. I suppose Neptune last night invited him to deep potations.

[Tracalio]

By my troth, I fancy it was given him to drink by way of cup of necessity. How much do I love you, my dear Mpelisca. How pleasing you are. What honeyed words you do utter. But you and Palestra. In what way were you saved?

[Ampalisca]

I'll let you know. Both in a fright we leapt from the ship into a boat, because we saw that the ship was being borne upon a rock. In haste I unloosed the rope. While they were in dismay, the storm separated us from them with the boat in a direction to the right. And so tossed about by winds and waves. In a multitude of ways we wretched creatures during the livelong night. Half dead, the wind this day has scarce borne us to the shore.

[Tracalio]

I understand. Thus is Neptune wont to do. He is a very dainty aedile. If any wares are bad over, he throws them all.

[Ampalisca]

Woe to your head and life to

[Tracalio]

your own, my dear. I was sure that the procureur would do that which he has done. I often said so. It were better I should let my hair grow and set up for a soothsayer.

[Ampalisca]

Did you not take care then, you and your master, that he shouldn't go away when you knew this? What could he do if he was in love? Do you ask what he could do? Both night and day he should have kept watch. He should have been always on his guard. But by my troth, he has done like many others. Thus finally has Plesidippus taken care of her.

[Tracalio]

For what reason do you say that?

[Ampalisca]

The thing is evident.

[Tracalio]

Don't you know this? Even he who goes to the bath to bathe, while there he carefully keeps an eye on his garments. Still they are stolen.

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[Scapanio]

We the ones still showing up holding hands.

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[Tracalio]

Share Playlist Inasmuch as some one of those that he is watching As a rogue, the thief easily marks him for whom he is upon the watch. The keeper knows not which one is the thief, but bring me to her. Where is she?

[Ampalisca]

Well then, go here into the temple of Venus. You'll find her sitting there and in tears.

[Tracalio]

How disagreeable is that to me already. But why is she weeping?

[Ampalisca]

I'll tell you. She's afflicting herself and mind for this, because the procurer took away a casket from her which she had, and in which she kept that by which she might be enabled to recognize her parents. She fears that this has been lost.

[Tracalio]

Where was that little casket, pray?

[Ampalisca]

There, on board the ship. He himself locked it up in his wallet, that there mightn't be the means by which she might recognize her parents.

[Tracalio]

O scandalous deed, to require her to be a slave who ought to be a free woman.

[Ampalisca]

Therefore she now laments that it is gone to the bottom along with the ship. There too was all the gold and silver of the procurer.

[Tracalio]

Someone I trust has dived and brought it up.

[Ampalisca]

For this reason is she sad and disconsolate that she has met with the loss of them.

[Tracalio]

Then have I the greater occasion to do this, to go in and console her, that she mayn't thus distress herself in mind. For I know that many a lucky thing has happened to many a one beyond their hopes.

[Ampalisca]

But I know too that hope has deceived many who have hoped.

[Tracalio]

Therefore a patient mind is the best remedy for affliction. I'll go in.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Unless you wish for anything goes into the temple, go to herself.

[Ampalisca]

I'll do that which the priestess requested me, and I'll ask for some water here at the neighbour's, for she said that if I asked for it in her name, they would give it directly. And I do think that I never saw a more worthy old lady, one to whom I should think that it is more befitting for gods and men to show kindness. How courteously, how heartily, how kindly, how without the least difficulty she received us into her home, trembling in want, drenched, shipwrecked, half dead, not otherwise in fact than if we had been her own offspring. How kindly did she herself just now, tucking up her garments, make the water warm for us to bathe. Now that I mayn't keep her waiting, I'll fetch some water from the place where she requested me.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

KNOCKING AT THE DOOR OF DAIMONIES hello there.

[Ampalisca]

Is there anyone in the cottage? Is anyone going to open this door? Will anyone come out?

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Scene 5 Enter Scapanio from the cottage

[Scapanio]

of DAIMONES who is it so furiously making an attack upon our door?

[Ampalisca]

It's I.

[Scapanio]

Well, now what good news is there? Aside, dear me, alas, of comely appearance

[Ampalisca]

he troth greeting to you, young man.

[Scapanio]

And many greetings to you, young woman.

[Ampalisca]

I'm come to you.

[Scapanio]

I'll receive you with a welcome if you come in the evening, by and by, just such as I could like. For just now I have no means to receive you a damsel thus early in the morning. But what have you to say? My smiling pretty one Chucks her under the chin.

[Ampalisca]

Oh, you're handling me too familiarly.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Moves away.

[Scapanio]

O ye immortal gods. She's the very image of Venus. What joyousness there is in her eyes. And only do see what a skin Tis of the vulture's tint. Rather the eagle's. Indeed, I meant to say her breasts too. How beautiful. And then what expression on her lips

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

takes hold of her and Pelasca struggling.

[Ampalisca]

I'm no common commodity for the whole township. Can't you keep your hands off me, Scapanio?

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Patting her.

[Scapanio]

Won't you let me touch you, gentle one? In this manner, gently and lovingly, when I have leisure.

[Ampalisca]

Then I'll be giving my attention to toying and dalliance to please you for the present prithee, do either say me yes or no to the matter for which I was sent hither.

[Scapanio]

What now? Is it that you wish?

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Pointing to her pitcher?

[Ampalisca]

To a shrewd person, my equipment would give indications of what it is I want.

[Scapanio]

To a shrewd woman, this equipment too of mine would give indication of what it is I want.

[Ampalisca]

The priestess there of Venus requested me to fetch some water from your house here.

[Scapanio]

But I'm a lordly sort of person. Unless you entreat me, you shan't have a drop. We dug this well with danger to ourselves, and with tools of iron, not a drop can be got out of me, except by means of plenty of blandishments.

[Ampalisca]

Prithee, why do you make so much fuss about the water, a thing that even enemy affords to enemy?

[Scapanio]

Why do you make so much fuss about granting a favour to me that citizen grants to citizen?

[Ampalisca]

On the contrary, my sweet one, I'll even do everything for you that you wish.

[Scapanio]

Oh, charming. I am favoured. She's now calling me her sweet one. The water shall be given you, so that you mayn't be coaxing me in vain. Give me the pitcher.

[Ampalisca]

Take it.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Gives it to him.

[Ampalisca]

Make haste and bring it out. There's a deer.

[Scapanio]

Stay a moment. I'll be here this instant. My sweet one goes into the cottage.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

SCENE VI AND Peleska alone.

[Ampalisca]

What shall I say to the priestess for having delayed here so long a time? How even still in my wretchedness do I tremble when with my eyes I look upon the sea.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

She looks towards the shore.

[Ampalisca]

But what to my sorrow do I see afar upon the shore my master the procureur and his Sicilian guest, both of whom, wretched, I suppose to have perished in the deep? Still does this much more of evil survive for us than we had imagined? But why do I delay to run off into the temple and to tell Palaestra this, that we may take refuge at the altar before this scoundrel of a procureur can come hither and seize us here? I'll betake myself away from this spot, for the necessity suddenly arises for me

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

to do so runs into the temple. Scene 7 Enter Scapanio from the cottage. Scapanio to himself.

[Scapanio]

O ye immortal gods. I never did imagine that there was so great delight in water. How heartily I did draw this. The well seemed much less deep than formerly. How entirely without exertion did I draw this up with all deference to myself. Am I not a very silly fellow in having only today made a commencement of being in love?

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Turning slowly round, he holds out the pitcher.

[Scapanio]

Here's the water for you, my pretty one. Here now. I would have you carry it with as much pleasure as I carry it, that you may please me. But where are you, my tit bit? Do take this water, please. Where are you again?

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Looks about.

[Scapanio]

I troth she's in love with me, as I fancy the roguish one's playing Bo Peep. Where are you are you going now? To take this picture? Where are you, I say? You carried the joke far enough. Really, do be serious. At last, once more. Are you going to take this picture? Where in the world are you looks about. I troth, I don't see her anywhere. For my part, she's making fun of me. I faith I shall now set down this pitcher in the middle of the road. But yet suppose any person should carry away from here this sacred pitcher of Venus? He would be causing me some trouble. I faith. I'm afraid that this woman's laying a trap for me, that I may be caught with the sacred picture of Venus. In such case, with very good reason, the magistrate will be letting me die in prison if anyone shall see me holding this, for it's marked with the name, it tells its own tale whose property it is. Troth. Now I'll call that priestess here out of doors, that she may take this picture. I'll go there to the door. HE knocks Hallo there. Tolemocratia, take this picture of yours, please. Some young woman, I don't know who, brought it here to me.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

A pause.

[Scapanio]

It must then be carried indoors by me. I found myself a job, if in fact of my own accord. Water is to be carried by me, for these people as well goes into

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

the temple with the pitcher. Scene 8 Enter labrax, dripping wet, followed by Charmides at a distance in the same plight, Labrax, grumbling to himself, the

[Labrax]

person that chooses himself to be wretched and a beggar, let him trust himself and his life to Neptune, for if anyone has any dealings at all with him, he sends him back home equipped

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

in disguise, surveying himself.

[Labrax]

By my troth, liberty, you were a clever one who were never willing to put even a foot. I faith, on board ship with me. But looking round, where's this guest of mine that has proved my ruin? Oh, see, here he comes.

[Charmides]

Where the plague are you hurrying to, Le Brax? For really I cannot follow you so fast.

[Labrax]

I only wish that you had perished by direful torments in Sicily before I had looked upon you with my eyes. You on whose account this misfortune has befallen me.

[Charmides]

I only wish that one day on which you admitted me into your house I had laid me down in a prison sooner. I pray thy mortal gods, that so long as you live you may have all your guests just like your own

[Labrax]

self in your person. I admitted misfortune into my house. What business had I to listen to a rogue like you? Or what, to depart hence? Oh, why to go on board ship, where I have lost even more wealth than I was possessor.

[Charmides]

Of troth, I am far from being surprised if your ship has been wrecked, which was carrying yourself a villain and your property villainously acquired.

[Labrax]

You've utterly ruined me with your wheeling speeches.

[Charmides]

A more accursed dinner of yours have I been dining upon than the ones that were said before thyestes and Tereus.

[Labrax]

I'm dying. I'm sick at heart. Prithee, do hold up my head.

[Charmides]

By my troth, I could very much wish that you'd vomit up your lungs.

[Labrax]

Alas, Polystrand and Polisca. Where are you now?

[Charmides]

Supplying food for the fishes at the bottom, I suppose.

[Labrax]

You have brought beggary upon me by your means while I was listening to your boy bragging lies.

[Charmides]

You have reason deservedly to give me many hearty thanks. Who from an insipid morsel by my agency have made you salt?

[Labrax]

Nay, but do you get out from me to extreme and utter perdition?

[Charmides]

You be off. I was just going to do that very thing.

[Labrax]

Alas, what mortal being is still living more wretched than I?

[Charmides]

I am by very far much more wretched labrax, than yourself.

[Labrax]

How so?

[Charmides]

Because I am not deserving of it, whereas you are deserving.

[Labrax]

Oh bulrush Polrush, I do praise your lot who always maintain your credit for dryness.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Charmides, his teeth chattering.

[Charmides]

For my part I am exercising myself for a skirmishing fight, for from my shivering I utter all my words in epissmill flashes.

[Labrax]

By my troth, Neptune, you are a purveyor of chilly bath.

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[Scapanio]

We the ones still show up holding

[Grippus]

hands when times are tough.

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[Labrax]

got away from you with My clothes. I've been freezing. No hot liquor shop at all, for sure. Does he provide so salt and cold the potions that he prepares?

[Charmides]

How lucky are the blacksmiths, who are always sitting among hot coals. They are always warm.

[Labrax]

I only wish that I were now enjoying the lot of the duck so as, although I had just come from out of the water, still to be dry.

[Charmides]

What if I, some way or other, let myself out at the games for a hobgoblin?

[Labrax]

For what reason?

[Charmides]

Because I faith, I am chattering aloud with my teeth. But I am of opinion that with very good reason I have had this ducking.

[Labrax]

How so?

[Charmides]

Why haven't I ventured to go on board ship with yourself, who have been stirring up the ocean for me from the very bottom?

[Labrax]

I listened to you when advising me. You assured me that there in Sicily was very great profit from courtesans there. You used to say I should be able to amass wealth.

[Charmides]

Did you expect then, you unclean beast, that you were going to gobble up the whole island of Sicily?

[Labrax]

What whale, I wonder, has gobbled up my wallet where all my gold and silver was packed up?

[Charmides]

That someone, I suppose, that has swallowed my purse, which was full of silver in my travelling bag.

[Labrax]

Alas, I'm reduced even to this one poor tunic and to this poor shabby cloak. I'm done for.

[Charmides]

To all intents, then, you may even go into partnership with me. We have got equal shares.

[Labrax]

If at least my damsels had been saved, there would have been some hope. Now, if the young man Placidippus should be seeing me, from whom I received the earnest for palaestra, he'll then be causing me some trouble in consequence.

[Charmides]

Why cry, you fool? Really. By my troth, so long as your tongue shall exist, you have abundance with which to make payment to everybody.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Scene 9 Enter Scapanio from the temple. Scapanio to himself aloud.

[Scapanio]

What to do is this? I'd like to know that two young women here in the temple in tears, are holding in their embraces the statue of Venus, dreading I know not what, in their wretchedness. But they say that this last night they have been tossed about and to day cast on shore from the waves.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Laprax overhearing.

[Labrax]

Troth. Now, young men, prithee, where are these young women that you are talking of here?

[Scapanio]

Pointing in the temple of Venus.

[Labrax]

How many are there?

[Scapanio]

Just as many as you and I make.

[Labrax]

Surely they are mine.

[Scapanio]

Surely. I know nothing about that.

[Labrax]

Of what appearance are they good looking?

[Scapanio]

I could even fall in love with either of them if I were well liquored.

[Labrax]

Surely they are the damsels.

[Scapanio]

Surely. You are a nuisance. Be off. Go in and see if you like.

[Labrax]

These must be my wenches in there.

[Charmides]

My dear Charmides, Jupiter, confound you both if they are, and still if they

[Labrax]

are not, I'll straightway burst into this temple of Venus.

[Charmides]

Here into the bottomless pit.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

I would rather Laprax rushes into the temple and shuts the door. Scene 10 Charmides and Scepanio Prithee, stranger,

[Charmides]

show me some spot where I may go to sleep.

[Scapanio]

Go to sleep there, wherever you please.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Points to the ground.

[Scapanio]

No one hinders. It's free to the public.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Charmides pointing to his clothes.

[Charmides]

But do you see me in what wet clothes I am dressed? Do take me under shelter. Lend me some dry clothes while my own are drying. On some occasion I'll return you the favour.

[Scapanio]

See, here's my outer coat, which alone is dry. That if you like, I'll lend you.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Takes it off and holds it out

[Scapanio]

to him in that same. I won't to be clothed by that same protected. When it rains, do you give me those clothes of yours? I'll soon have them dried.

[Charmides]

How now? Are you afraid that as I have been washed bare last night at sea, I mean to be made bare again here upon shore?

[Scapanio]

Wash you bare or anoint you? Well, I don't care one fig. I shall never entrust anything to you, unless upon a pledge being taken. Do you either sweat away or perish with cold? Be you either sick or well, I'll put up with no stranger guest in my house. I've had disagreements enough.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Puts on his coat again and goes into the House of Daimonies. Scene 11 Charmides alone what are you of a pause?

[Charmides]

He is a trafficker in slaves for money. Whoever he is, he has no bowels of compassion. But why in my wretchedness am I standing here soaking? Why don't I rather go away from here into the temple of Venus, that I may sleep off this debauch, which I got with drinking last night against the bend of my inclination. Neptune has been drenching us with salt water as though we were Greek wines. And so he hoped that our stomachs might be vomited up with his salt draughts. What need of words. If he had persisted in inviting us a little longer, we should have gone fast asleep there, as it is hardly alive has he sent us off home. Now I'll go see the procurer, my boon companion.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

What he is doing within goes into the temple. End of Act 2. Act three of Rudens or the Fisherman's Rope by Titus Machias Plautus Translated by Henry Thomas Riley this is a Librivox recording. All Librivox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librivox.org Act III Scene 1. Enter Daimones from his house. Daimones to himself

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

in wondrous ways do the gods make sport of men in wondrous fashions do they send dreams in sleep? Not the sleeping even do they allow to rest. As for example, I this past night, which has gone by, dreamed a wonderful and a curious dream. A she ape seemed to be endeavouring to climb up to a swallow's nest, and she was not able thence to take them out. After that the ape seemed to come to me to beg me to lend a ladder to her. I in these terms gave answer to the ape that swallows are the descendants of Philomena and of Porgny. I appostuated with her that she might not hurt those of my country. But then she began to be much more violent and seemed gratuitously to be threatening me with vengeance. She summoned me to a court of justice. Then in my anger, I seemed to seize hold of the ape by the middle. In what fashion I know not. And I fastened up with chains this most worthless beast. Now, to what purpose I shall say that this dream tends. Never have I this day been able to come to any conclusion.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

A loud noise is heard in the temple.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

But what's this noise that arises in the temple of Venus, my neighbour? My mind's in wonder about it.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Scene 2 Enter Tracalio in haste from the temple.

[Tracalio]

O citizens of Cyrene, I implore your aid. Countrymen, you who are near neighbours to these spots, bring aid to the helplessness and utterly crush a most vile attempt inflict vengeance that the power of the wicked, who wish themselves to be distinguished by crimes may not be stronger than of the guiltless. Make an example for the shameless man. Give its reward to modest virtue.

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[Tracalio]

one may be allowed to live here rather under the control of the laws than a brute for force. Hasten hither into the temple of Venus Again I do implore your aid, you who are here at hand, and who hear my cries. Bring assistance to those who, after the recognized usage, have entrusted their lives to Venus and to the priestess of Venus under their protection. Ring ye the neck of iniquity before it reaches yourselves.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

What's all this to do?

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Embracing daimones Knees by these knees of

[Tracalio]

yours I do entreat you, old gentleman, whoever you are.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Nay, but do you let go my knees, then, and tell me why it is that you are making a noise.

[Tracalio]

I do beg and entreat you that if you hope this year that you will have an abundance of lazer, wort, and silphium, and that the export would arrive at Capua safe and sound, and that you may ever enjoy freedom from

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

diseased eyes, are you in your senses?

[Tracalio]

Or whether you trust that you will have plenty of juice of silphium, that you will not hesitate to give me the aid of which I shall entreat of you, aged sir, and I, by

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

your legs and ankles and back, do entreat you that if you hope that you will have a crop of elm twigs, and that a fruitful harvest of beatings will this year be your lot, you will tell me what's the matter here, by reason of which you are making this uproar.

[Tracalio]

Why do you choose to speak me ill? For my part, I wished you everything

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

that's good, and for my part I'm speaking to you well in praying that things which you deserve may befall you.

[Tracalio]

Prithee, do prevent this.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

What's the matter then?

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Tracaglio, pointing to the temple.

[Tracalio]

Two innocent women are inside here in need of your aid, on whom, against law, injustice, and injury has been, is being glaringly committed here in the temple of Venus. Besides, the priestess of Venus is being disgracefully insulted.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

What person is there of effrontery so great as to dare to injure the priestess. But these women, who are they? Or what injury is being done to them?

[Tracalio]

If you give me your attention, I'll tell you. They have clung to the statue of Venus. A most audacious fellow is now trying to tear them away. They ought by rights, both of them to be free.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

What fellow is it that so lightly holds the gods in a few words? Tell me.

[Tracalio]

One most full of fraud, villainy, parricide and perjury. A law breaker and immodest unclean. Most shameless fellow, to sum up all in one word. He is a procurer. Why need I say more about him?

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Troth, now you tell of a man that ought to be handed over to retribution.

[Tracalio]

A villain to seize the priestess by the throat.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

By my troth, but he has done it at his own great peril.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Calls ALOUD at his door Come you

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

out of doors here to Balliol and Sphorax. Where are you?

[Tracalio]

Prithee, do go in and hasten to their rescue.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

And am I to call for them once more?

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Enter Tabalho and Sparax from the cottage.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Follow me this way.

[Tracalio]

Come on now, this instant. Bid them tear his eyes out just in the way that cooks do cuttlefish.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Drag the fellow out here by his legs, just like a slaughtered pig.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Daimones and his servants go into the temple tracaglio. Listening at the door, I hear a scuffling.

[Tracalio]

The procurer, I guess, is being belaboured with their fists. I'd very much like them to knock the teeth out of the jaws of the most villainous fellow. But see, here are the women themselves coming out of the temple in consternation.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

SCENE III Enter Palaestra and Ambalisca in haste from the temple with dishevelled locks.

[Palaestra]

Now is that time arrived. When destitution of all resources and aid, succour and defense overtakes us, neither hope nor means is there to bring us aid, nor know we in what direction we should commence to proceed in exceeding terror. Now are we both, in this, our wretchedness. Such cruelty and such outrage have been committed towards us just now indoors here by our master, who, in his villainy pushed down the old lady, the priestess, headlong and struck her in a very disgraceful manner and with his violence tore us away from the inner side of the statue. But as our lot and our fortunes are now showing themselves, twere best to die. Nor in our miseries is there anything better than death

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

behind.

[Tracalio]

What's this? Whose words are those? Why do I delay to console them? Hark ye, Palestra. And Pellisca. Hark ye.

[Palaestra]

Prithee. Who is it that calls us?

[Ampalisca]

Who is it that calls me by name?

[Tracalio]

If you turn round and look, you'll

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

know Palaestra turning round.

[Palaestra]

Oh, hope of my safety, be silent.

[Tracalio]

And of good courage trust me.

[Palaestra]

If only it can be so. Let not violence overwhelm us.

[Tracalio]

What violence?

[Palaestra]

The same which is driving me to commit violence on myself.

[Tracalio]

Oh, do leave off. You are being very silly.

[Palaestra]

Then do you leave off at once. Your consoling me and my misery with

[Ampalisca]

words unless you afford us protection in reality. Trecalio, it's all over with us.

[Palaestra]

I am resolved to die sooner than suffer this procureur to get me in his power. But still I am of woman's heart. When in my misery death comes into my mind, fear takes possession of my limbs.

[Tracalio]

By my troth, although this is a bitter affliction, do have a good heart.

[Palaestra]

Why, where, pray, is a good heart to be found for me?

[Tracalio]

Don't you fear, I tell you. Sit you down here by the altar points to it.

[Ampalisca]

What can this altar possibly avail us more than this statue here within the temple of Venus, from which just now, embracing it in our wretchedness, we were torn by force only.

[Tracalio]

You be seated here. Then I'll protect you in this spot, this altar you possess as though you're bulwarks, these your fortifications. From this spot will I defend you. With the aid of Venus, I'll march against the wickedness of the procurer.

[Palaestra]

We will follow your instructions.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

They advance to the altar and kneel.

[Palaestra]

And genial Venus, we both of us in tears implore thee, embracing this thy altar, bending upon our knees, that thou wilt receive us into thy guardianship and be our protector, that thou wilt punish those wretches who have set it not thy temple, and that thou wilt suffer us to occupy this thy altar. With thy permission. We, who last night were by the might of Neptune cast away. Hold us not in scorn, and do not for that reason impute it to us as a fault. If there is anything that thou shouldst think is not so well attended to by us as it ought to have

[Tracalio]

been, I think they ask what's just. It ought, Venus, by thee to be granted. Thou oughtest to a pardon them. Tis terror forces them to do this. They say that thou wast born from a shell. Take thou care that thou dost not despise the shells of these. But see, most opportunely the old gentleman is coming out, both my protector and your own.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

He goes to the Altar SCENE IV Enter Daimones from the temple with his two servants dragging out labracks.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Come out of the temple, you most sacrilegious of men, as many as have ever been born, calling to the women. Do you go and sit by the

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

altar, not seeing them near the door.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

But where are they?

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Look round here, Dymenes. Looking round.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Very good. I wanted that. Now bid him come this way. Are you attempting here among us to commit a violation of the laws against the deities?

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

To the servants who obey with alacrity,

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Punch his face with your fist.

[Labrax]

I'm suffering these indignities at your own cost.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Why the insolent fellows threatening Even I've

[Labrax]

been robb'd of my rights. You are robbing me of my female slaves against my will.

[Tracalio]

Do you then find some wealthy man of the Senate of Cyrene as judge whether these women ought to be yours or whether they oughtn't to be free, and whether it isn't right that you should be clapped into prison and there spend your life until you have worn the whole jail out with your feet.

[Labrax]

I wasn't prepared to prophesy for this day that I should be talking with a hang gallows like yourself.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Turning to daimones.

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[Labrax]

You do I summon to judgment Daimones

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

pointing to Tracalio in the first place.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Try it with him who knows you.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Laprax to Dymanes.

[Labrax]

My suit is with yourself better thus

[Tracalio]

me with my sylph pointing to the women. Are these your female slaves?

[Labrax]

They are just.

[Tracalio]

Come then, touch either of them with your little finger only.

[Labrax]

What if I do touch them that very instant?

[Tracalio]

Upon my faith, I'll make a hand ball of you, and while you are in the air I'll belabour you with my fists. You most perjured villain.

[Labrax]

Am I not to be allowed to take away my female slaves from the altar of Venus?

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

You may not. Such is the law with us.

[Labrax]

I have no concern with your laws. For my part, I shall at once carry them both away from here. If you are in love with them,

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

old gentleman, holding out his hand, you

[Labrax]

must down here with the ready cash.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

But these women have proved pleasing to Venus.

[Labrax]

She may have them if she pays the money.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

A goddess pay you money. Now then, that you may understand my determination Only do you commence in mere joke to offer them the very slightest violence. I'll send you away from here with such a dressing that you won't know

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

your own self, turning to his servants.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

You. Therefore, when I give you the signal, if you don't beat his eyes out of his head, I'll trim you round about with rods, just like beds of murder with bulrushes.

[Labrax]

You are treating me with violence.

[Tracalio]

What do you even upbraid us with violence? You flagrant specimen of flagitigiousness.

[Lady Luck]

You.

[Labrax]

You thrice dotted villain. Do you dare to speak abusively to me?

[Tracalio]

I am a thrice dotted villain, I confess it. You are a strictly honourable man. Ought these women a bit the less to be free?

[Labrax]

What, free?

[Tracalio]

Ay, and your mistresses too? I faith, and from genuine Greece, for one of them was born at Athens of free born peerence.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

What is it I hear from you?

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

That she, pointing to Palaestra, was born

[Tracalio]

at Athens, A free born woman.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Dymenes to Trachalio Brythee.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Is she a countrywoman of mine?

[Tracalio]

Are you not a Cyrenian?

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

No. Born at Athens, in Attica, Bred and educated there.

[Tracalio]

Prithee, aged sir, do protect your countrywomen.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Dymenes aside, O daughter, when I look

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

on her, separated from me, you remind me of my miseries. She who was lost by me when three years old. Now if she is living, she's just

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

about as tall I'm sure as she pointing to palaestra.

[Labrax]

I paid the money down for these two to their owners of whatever country they were. What matters it to me whether they were born at Athens or at Thebes, so long as they are rightfully in servitude as my slaves?

[Tracalio]

Is it so, you impudent fellow? What are you? A cat prowling after maidens to be keeping children here, kidnapped from their parents, and destroying them in your disgraceful calling? But as for this other one, I really don't know what her country is. I only know that she's more deserving than you. You most abominable rascal.

[Labrax]

Are these women your property?

[Tracalio]

Come to the trial then. Which of the two according to his back is the more truthful? If you don't bear more compliments upon your back than any ship of war has nails, then I am the greatest of liars. Afterwards do you examine mine when I have examined yours? If it shall not prove to be so untouched that any leather flask maker will say that it is a hide most capital and most sound for the purposes of his business, what reason is there why I shouldn't mangle you with stripes even till you have your belly full? Why do you stare at them? If you touch them, I'll tear your eyes out.

[Labrax]

Yet notwithstanding, although you forbid me to do so, I'll at once carry them off both together with me.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

What will you do?

[Labrax]

I'll bring Vulcan. He is an enemy to Venus.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Goes towards Daimon's cottage.

[Tracalio]

Whither is he going?

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Labrex calling at the door.

[Labrax]

Hello? Is there anybody here? Hello?

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

I say, if you touch the door that very instant, upon my faith, you shall get a harvest upon your face with fists for your pitchforks.

[Labrax]

We keep no fire. We live upon dried figs.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

I'll find the fire, if only I have the opportunity of kindling it upon your head.

[Labrax]

Faith, I'll go somewhere to look for some fire.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

What? When you've found it, I'll be making

[Labrax]

a great fire here.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

What, to be burning a mortuary sacrifice for yourself?

[Labrax]

No, but I'll burn both of these alive here upon the altar.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

I'd like that for my troth. I forthwith seize you by the head and throw you into the fire. And half roasted, I'll throw you out as food for the great birds. When I come to a consideration of it with myself, this is that ape that wanted to take away those swallows from the nest against my will, as I was dreaming in my sleep.

[Tracalio]

Aged sir, do you know what I request of you? That you will protect these females and defend them from violence until I fetch my master.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Go look for your master and fetch him here.

[Tracalio]

But don't let him at his own

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

extreme peril, if he touches them, or if he attempts to do so, take care. Due care is taken. Do you be off then.

[Tracalio]

Watch him too, that he doesn't go away anywhere. For we have promised either to give the executioner a great talent or else to produce this fellow this very day.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Do you only be off? I'll not let him get away while you are absent.

[Tracalio]

I'll be back here soon.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Exit tracalio scene 5 Daimones, Laprax, Palaestra, Ampellisca and servants. Daimones to Labrax, who is struggling with

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

the servants which you, procurer, had you rather. Do be quiet with a thrashing, or e' en as it is without the thrashing, if you had the choice.

[Labrax]

Old fellow, I don't care a straw for what you say. My own women, in fact, I shall drag away this instant from the altar by the hair. In spite of yourself and Venus and Supreme Jove.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Just touch them, Laprax.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Going towards them.

[Labrax]

Itros, I. I surely will touch them.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Just come then, only approach this way only.

[Labrax]

Bid both those fellows then to move away from there.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

On the contrary, they shall move towards you.

[Labrax]

If for my own part, I don't think so.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

If they do move nearer to you, what will you do?

[Labrax]

I'll retire. But, old fellow, if ever I catch you in the city, never again upon my faith, shall any one call me a procureur. If I don't give you some most disagreeable sport.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Do what you threaten. But now, in the meantime, if you do touch them, a heavy punishment shall be inflicted on you.

[Labrax]

How heavy?

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

In fact, just as much as is sufficient for a procurer.

[Labrax]

These facts of yours, I don't value one straw. I certainly shall seize them both this instant without your leave.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Just touch them.

[Labrax]

By my troth, I surely will touch them.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

You will touch them, but you know with what result. Go then, Turbalio, with all haste, and bring hither from out of the house two cudgels.

[Labrax]

Cudgels?

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Ay, good ones. Make haste speedily.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Tabalho goes in.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

I'll let you have a reception this day in proper style, as you are deserving of Laprax.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Aside.

[Labrax]

Alas, cursedly unfortunate, I lost my headpiece in the ship. It would now have been handy for

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

me if it had been saved to Dymenes.

[Labrax]

May I at least address these women?

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

You may not, Tabalio.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Enters bringing two cudgels.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Well now, by my faith. Look, the cudgel man is coming very opportunely here.

[Labrax]

Leprex aside, by my troth, this surely is a tingling for my ears.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Come, Sparax, do you take this other cudgel?

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Gives him one.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Come, take your stand. One on one side. The other on one other. Take your stations, both of you.

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[Narrator / Stage Directions]

They stand with lifted cudgels on each side of the altar.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Just so. Now then, attend to me. If in faith that fellow there should this day touch these women with his finger against their inclination. If you don't give him a reception with these cudgels, even to that degree, that he shan't know which way he is to get home. You are undone, both of you. If he shall call for anyone, do you make answer to this fellow in their stead? But if he himself shall attempt to get away from here at that instant, as hard as you can lay on his legs with your sticks, are they

[Labrax]

not even to allow me to go away from here?

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

I've said sufficient. And when that servant comes here with his master, he that has gone to fetch his master, do you at once go home. Attend to this with great diligence, will you?

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Dymenes goes into his house. Scene 6 Palaestra and Pellisca, Laprax and the servants.

[Labrax]

Oh, rare. By my troth, the temple here is surely changed all of a sudden. This is now the temple of Hercules, which was that of Venus before in such fashion. Has the old fellow planted two statues here with clubs? I faith, I don't know whither in the world I shall fly from here. So greatly are they both raging now against me, both land and sea. Palaestra. Polonte. What do you want? Away with you. There is a misunderstanding between us. That indeed is not my palaestra that answers. Hark ye. And Polisca, beware of a mishap, will

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

you Labrex aside so far as they

[Labrax]

can, the worthless fellows advise me rightly enough. But hearty, I ask you whether it is any Harm to you for me to come nearer to these women? Why, none at all to ourselves. Will there be any harm to myself? None at all, if you only take care. What is it that I am to take care against? Why look you against a heavy mishap. Troth now prithee, do let me approach them. Approach them if you like. If faith obligingly done, I return you thanks. I'll go nearer to them.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Approaches them.

[Labrax]

Do you stand there on the spot where you are?

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Drags him to his place with the cudgel over his head. Labrax aside.

[Labrax]

By my faith, I've come scurvily off in many ways. Still, I'm resolved to get the better of them this day by constantly besieging them.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

SCENE VII Enter Placidippus and Trachalio at a distance on the other side of

[Placidippus]

the stage and did the procureur attempt by force and violence to drag my mistress away from the altar of Venus? Even so, why didn't you kill him on the instant?

[Tracalio]

I hadn't a sword.

[Placidippus]

You should have taken either a stick or a stone.

[Tracalio]

What ought I to have pelted this most villainous fellow with stones like a dog?

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Labrax aside on seeing them?

[Labrax]

By my troth, but I'm undone now. See, here's Placidippus. He'll be sweeping me away altogether this moment with the dust.

[Placidippus]

Were the damsels sitting on the altar even then, when you set out to come to me?

[Tracalio]

Yes, and now they are sitting in the same place.

[Placidippus]

Who is now protecting them there?

[Tracalio]

Some old gentleman, I don't know who. A neighbour of the temple of Venus. He gave very kind assistance. He is now protecting them with his servants. I committed them to his charge.

[Placidippus]

Lead me straight to the procure. Where is this fellow?

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

They go towards Laverick's health to you.

[Placidippus]

I want none of your healths. Make your choice quickly, whether you had rather be seized by your throat wrenched or be dragged along. Choose whichever you please, while you may.

[Labrax]

I wish for neither.

[Placidippus]

Be off then, Trochalio, with all speed to the sea shore bid those persons that I brought with me to hand over this rascal to the executioner to come from the harbour to the city to meet me afterwards. Return hither and keep guard here. I'll now drag this scoundrelly outcast to justice.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Scene 8 Placidippus, Labrax, Palaestra and servants Placidippus to Labrax.

[Placidippus]

Come, proceed to the court of justice.

[Labrax]

In what have I offended, do you ask?

[Placidippus]

Didn't you receive an earnest of me

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

for this woman, pointing to Palaestra, and

[Placidippus]

carry her off from here.

[Labrax]

I didn't carry her off.

[Placidippus]

Why do you deny it?

[Labrax]

Troth now, because I put her on board ship. Carry her off. Unfortunately I couldn't. For my part, I told you that this day I would make my appearance at the temple of Venus. Have I swerved at all from that? Am I not here?

[Placidippus]

Plead your cause in the court of justice? Here a word is enough. Follow me.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

They lay hold of him.

[Labrax]

I entreat you, my dear Charmides, do come to my rescue. I am being seized with my throat wrenched.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Scene 9 Enter Charmides from the temple. Charmides. Looking about?

[Charmides]

Who calls my name?

[Labrax]

Do you see me how I am being seized?

[Charmides]

I see and view it with pleasure.

[Labrax]

Don't you venture to assist me?

[Charmides]

What person is seizing you, young Placidippus, what you've got put up with. Twere better for you, with a cheerful spirit to sling to jail that has befallen you, which many greatly wish for. For themselves.

[Labrax]

What's that?

[Charmides]

To find for themselves that which they are seeking.

[Labrax]

I entreat you, do follow me.

[Charmides]

You try to persuade me, just like what you are. You are being taken off to jail for that reason. Is it you entreat me to follow

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

you, Placidippus, to Laprax.

[Placidippus]

Do you still resist?

[Labrax]

I mon dun.

[Placidippus]

I trust that may prove the truth. You, my dear Palaestra and Ampelisca, do you remain here in the meanwhile until I return hither?

[Labrax]

I would advise them rather to go to our house until you return.

[Placidippus]

I'm quite agreeable. You act obligingly.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

The servants open the door of the cottage and Palaestra and am Pellisca go in.

[Labrax]

You are thieves to me. How thieves.

[Placidippus]

Lead him along.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

The servants seize him.

[Labrax]

I pray and entreat you, Palaestra Polistar follow you hangdog. Guest Charmides.

[Charmides]

I am no guest of yours. I repudiate your hospitality.

[Labrax]

What, do you slight me in this fashion?

[Charmides]

I do so. I have been drinking with you once already. May the deities confound you to that person of yours.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Say that Placidippus leads Laprax off, followed by the servants. Scene 10 Charmides alone I do believe

[Charmides]

that men are transformed, each into a different beast. That procurer, I guess, is transformed into a stock dove, for before long his neck will be in the stocks. He will today be building his nest in the jail. Still, however, I'll go that I may be his advocate, if by my aid he may possibly be sentenced any the sooner

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

end of Act 3. Act IV of Rudens or the Fisherman's Rope by Titus Macchius Plautus Translated by Henry Thomas Riley this is a Librivox recording. All Librivox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librivox.org Act IV Scene 1 Enter Daimonis from his cottage, Daimonis to himself.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Twas rightly done, and it's a pleasure this day for me to have given aid to these young women. I have now found some dependants, and both of them of comely looks and youthful age. But my Plaguy wife is watching me in all ways, lest I should be giving any hint to the young women. But I wonder what in the world my servant Grippus is about, who went last night to the sea to fish. Troth he has done wiser if he had slept at home, for now he throws away both his panes and his nets, Seeing what a storm there now is and was last night, I'll thoroughly cook upon my fingers what he has caught to day. So violently do I see the ocean heaving.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

A bell rings.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Ah, but my wife's calling me to breakfast. I'll return home. She'll now be filling my ears with her silly prating.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Goes into the cottage. Scene 2 Enter Gryphus dragging a net, inclosing a wallet by a rope Grippus to himself.

[Grippus]

These thanks do I return to Neptune, my patron who dwells in the salt retreats the abode of fishes.

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[Grippus]

In as much as he has dispatched me, finally laden on my return from his retreats and from his temples, laden with most abundant booty, with safety to my boat, which in the stormy sea made me master of a singular and rich hall, in a wondrous and incredible manner has this hall turned out prosperously for me. Nor yet have I this day taken a single ounce weight of fish, but only that which I am here bringing with me in my net. For when I arose in the middle of the night and without sloth, I preferred profit to sleep and rest in the raging tempest, I determined to try how I might lighten the poverty of my master and my own servitude, not sparing of my own exertions. Most worthless is the man that is slothful, and most detestably do I hate that kind of man. It behooves him to be vigilant, who wishes to do his duty in good time, for it befits him not to be waiting until his master arouses him to his duties for those who sleep on for the love of it rest without profit, to themselves and to their own cost. But now I, who have not been slothful, have found that for myself through which to be slothful, if I should

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

choose points to the wallet, this have

[Grippus]

I found in the sea to day Whatever's in it, it's something heavy that's in it. I think it's gold that's in it. And not a single person is there, my confidant, in the matter. Now, Grippus, this opportunity has befallen you, that the praetor might make you a free man from among the multitude. Now thus shall I do this. In my determination I'll come to my master cleverly and cunningly. Little by little I'll promise money for my freedom, that I may be free now. When I shall be free, then in fine I'll provide me land and houses and slaves. I'll carry on merchandise with large ships. Among the Grandees I shall be considered a Grandee. Afterwards, for the sake of pleasing myself, I'll build me a ship, and I'll imitate Stratonicus and I'll be carried about from town to town. When my greatness is far spread, I shall fortify some great city. To that city I shall give the name Grippus, a memorial of my fame and exploits, and there I'll establish a mighty kingdom. I am resolving here in my mind to prepare for mighty matters. At present I'll hide this booty, but

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

this Grandee, pointing to himself, is about

[Grippus]

to breakfast upon vinegar and salt without any good substantial meat, gathers up the

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

net and drags it after him. Scene 3 Enter Trucalio in haste.

[Tracalio]

Hallo, dear. Stop.

[Grippus]

Oh, why should I stop?

[Tracalio]

Will I coil up this rope for

[Grippus]

you that you are dragging now let it alone.

[Tracalio]

Troth, but I'll assist you. What's kindly done to worthy men isn't thrown away.

[Grippus]

Ah, there was a boisterous tippis yesterday. No fish have I. Young man, don't you be supposing I have. Don't you see that I'm carrying my dripping net without the scaly Race I

[Tracalio]

faith I'm not wishing for fish so much as I am indeed of your conversation.

[Grippus]

Then whoever you are, you are worrying me to death with your annoyance.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Trecalio takes hold of him now I'll

[Tracalio]

not allow you to go away from here. Stop.

[Grippus]

Take you care of a mishap if you please. But why the plague are you dragging me back?

[Tracalio]

Listen.

[Grippus]

I won't listen.

[Tracalio]

Then upon my face you shall listen.

[Grippus]

Nay, but another time. Tell me what you want.

[Tracalio]

Come now, it's worth your while at once to hear what I want to tell you.

[Grippus]

Say on whatever it is.

[Tracalio]

See whether any person is following near us.

[Grippus]

Why? What reason is there that it should matter to me?

[Tracalio]

So it is. But can you give me some good advice?

[Grippus]

What's the business? Only tell me.

[Tracalio]

Now I'll tell you. Keep silence. If only you will give me your word that you won't prove treacherous to me.

[Grippus]

I do give you my word. I'll be true to you, whoever you are.

[Tracalio]

Listen. I saw a person commit a theft. I knew the owner to whom that same property belonged. Afterwards I came myself to the thief and I made him a proposal. On these terms I know the person on whom that theft was committed. Now if you were ready to give me half, I'll not make a discovery to the owner. He didn't even give me an answer. What is it fair should be given me out of it half? I trust you'll say ay even more.

[Grippus]

But unless he gives it to you, I think it ought to be told to the owner.

[Tracalio]

I'll act on your advice. Now give me your attention, for it is to yourself all this relates what

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

has been done by me, Trecalio, pointing at the wallet.

[Tracalio]

I've known the person for a long time to whom that wallet belongs.

[Grippus]

What do you mean?

[Tracalio]

And in what manner it was lost.

[Grippus]

But I know in what manner it was found. And I know the person who found it and who is now the owner. That I faith is not a bit the more your matter than it is my own. I know the person to whom it now belongs. You, the person to whom it formerly belonged. This shall no individual get away from me. Don't you be expecting to get it in a hurry?

[Tracalio]

If the owner comes, shan't he get it away?

[Grippus]

That you mayn't be mistaken? No born person is there that's owner of this, but my own self, who took this in my own fishing.

[Tracalio]

Was it really so?

[Grippus]

Which fish in the sea will you say is my own when I catch them? If indeed I do catch them, they are My own. As my own, I keep them. They are not claimed as having a right to freedom, nor does any person demand a share in them in the market. I will sell them all openly as my own warehouse. Indeed, the sea is surely common to all persons.

[Tracalio]

I agree to that. Prithee, then, why any the less? Is it proper that this wallet should be common to me? He was found in the sea.

[Grippus]

Assuredly. You are an outrageously impudent fellow. For if this is justice which you are saying, then fishermen would be ruined inasmuch as the moment that the fish were exposed upon the stalls, no one would buy them. Every person would be demanding his own share of the fish for himself. He would be saying that they were caught in the sea. That was common to all.

[Tracalio]

What do you say, you impudent fellow? Do you dare to compare a wallet with fish? Pray, does it appear to be the same thing?

[Grippus]

The matter doesn't lie in my powers. When I've cast my hook and the net into the sea, whatever has adhered, I draw out whatever my net and hooks have got, that in especial is my own.

[Tracalio]

Nay, but I faith it is not. If indeed you fished up any article that's made a philosopher, you. But look now, you conjurer. Did you ever see a fisherman who caught a wallet fish or exposed one for sale in the market? But indeed you shan't here be taking possession of all the profits that you choose. You expect, you dirty fellow, to be both a maker of wallets and a fisherman? Either you must show me a fish that is a wallet, or else you shall carry nothing off that wasn't produced in the sea. It has no scales.

[Charmides]

What?

[Grippus]

Did you never hear before to day that a wallet was a fish villain?

[Tracalio]

There is no such fish.

[Grippus]

Yes, there certainly is. I, who am a fisherman, know it. But it is seldom caught. No fish more rarely comes near the land.

[Tracalio]

It's to no purpose. You hope that you can be cheating me, you rogue. Of what colour is it, grypus, looking

[Grippus]

at the wallet of this colour, very few are cut. Some are of a purple skin. There are great and black ones also.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

I understand.

[Tracalio]

By my troth, you'll be turning into a wallet fish. I fancy if you don't take care, your skin will be purple, and then afterwards black.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Gryphus aside, what a villain this that

[Grippus]

I have met with to day.

[Tracalio]

We are wasting words. The day wears apace. Consider, please, by whose arbitration do you wish us to proceed?

[Grippus]

By the arbitration of the wallet.

[Tracalio]

Really? So indeed you are a fool.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

My respects to you, Mr. Thales going Trekalio holding him.

[Tracalio]

You shan't carry that off this day unless you find a place of safe keeping for it or an umpire by whose arbitration this matter may be settled.

[Grippus]

Prithee, are you in your senses?

[Tracalio]

I'm mad in need of hellebore, but

[Grippus]

I'm troubled with sprites. Still, I shan't let this go.

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[Tracalio]

Hugs the wallet only add a single word more that instant I'll drive my fists smash into your brain this instant on this spot. Just as a new napkin as wont to be wrung. I'll wring out of you whatever moisture there is. If you don't let this go

[Grippus]

touch me, I'll dash you down on the ground. Just in such a fashion as I'm in the habit of doing with Polypus fish. Would you like to fight?

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Assumes a boxing attitude.

[Tracalio]

What need is there? Nay in preference. Divide the booty.

[Grippus]

You can't get anything from here but harm to yourself, so don't expect it. I'm taking myself off, but I'll turn

[Tracalio]

aside your ship from that direction that you mayn't be off anywhere. Stop.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Stands in front of him and holds the rope.

[Grippus]

If you are the helmsman of the ship, I'll be the pilot. Let go the rope now, you villain.

[Tracalio]

I will let go. Do you let go of the wallet?

[Grippus]

I faith you shall never this day become a scrap. The more wealthy from this you cannot

[Tracalio]

convince me by repeatedly denying unless either a pard is given me or it is referred to arbitration, or it is placed in safe keeping.

[Grippus]

What that which I got out of the sea.

[Tracalio]

But I espied it out from the

[Grippus]

shore with my own pains and labour and net and boat.

[Tracalio]

If now the owner whose property it is were to come. How am I who espied from afar that you had taken this? A bit the less the thief than yourself.

[Grippus]

None whatever.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Going tracalio. Seizing the net.

[Tracalio]

Stop, you whip knave. Just let me learn of you. By what reasoning? I am not the shearer and yet the thief.

[Grippus]

I don't know. Neither do I know these city laws of yours. Only that I affirm that this is mine.

[Tracalio]

Looks at the wallet and I too say that it is mine.

[Grippus]

Stay now I've discovered by what method you may be neither thief nor sharer.

[Tracalio]

By what method?

[Grippus]

Let me go away from here. You quietly go your own way and don't you inform against me to anyone. And I won't give anything to you. You hold your tongue. I'll be mum. This is the best and fairest plan.

[Tracalio]

Well, what proposition do you venture to make?

[Grippus]

I've made it already for you to go away, to let go of the rope and not to be a nuisance to me.

[Tracalio]

Stop while I propose terms.

[Grippus]

If faith do prithee, dispose of yourself forthwith.

[Tracalio]

Do you know anyone in these parts?

[Grippus]

My own neighbours. I must know.

[Tracalio]

Where do you live here.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Gryphus pointing at a distance out away

[Grippus]

yonder, as far off as the farthest field.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Tracalio pointing to the cottage of Daimones.

[Tracalio]

The person that lives in that cottage, should you like it to be decided by his arbitration.

[Grippus]

Let go of the rope for a moment while I step aside and consider.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Be it so, Lets go of the rope. Gryphus aside capital.

[Grippus]

The thing's all right. The whole of this booty is my own. He's invited me here, inside my own abode, to my own master as umpire. By my troth, he never this day will award these obols away from his own servant. Assuredly this fellow doesn't know what proposal

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

he has been making to Tracalio.

[Grippus]

I'll go to the arbitrator with you.

[Tracalio]

What then?

[Grippus]

Although I know for sure that this is my own lawful right. Let that be done, rather than I should now be fighting with you.

[Tracalio]

Now you satisfy me, although you are

[Grippus]

driving me before an arbitrator whom I don't know if he shall administer justice. Although he is unknown, he is as good as known to me. If he doesn't though known, he is the same as though entirely unknown.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Scene 4 Enter Dymenes from his cottage with palaestra and ambalisca and servants. Daimones to the women.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Seriously. Upon my faith, young woman, although I wish what you desire, I'm afraid that on your account my wife will be turning me out of doors. Who'll be saying that I've brought harlots here before her very eyes? Do you take refuge at the altar rather than I?

[Palaestra]

We wretched creatures are undone.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

They weep.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

I'll place you in safety, don't you fear.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

But why turning to the servants Are

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

you following me out of doors? Since I'm here no one shall do them harm. Now then, be off. I say indoors, both of you. You guards em off guard, they go in.

[Grippus]

O master, save you, save you.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

How goes it?

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Tracalio pointing to Grypus.

[Tracalio]

Is he your servant?

[Grippus]

I'm not ashamed to say yes.

[Tracalio]

I've nothing to do with you.

[Grippus]

Then get you gone hence, will you?

[Tracalio]

Prithee, do answer me, aged sir, is he your servant?

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

He is mine.

[Tracalio]

Oh then that is very good. Since he is yours again, I salute you.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

And I you. Are you he who not long since went away from here to fetch his master?

[Tracalio]

I am he.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

What now is it that you want?

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Tracalio pointing to Gryphus.

[Tracalio]

This is your servant, you say he is mine. That is very good, since he is yours.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

What's the matter?

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Tracalio, pointing to Gryphus.

[Tracalio]

That's a rascally fellow there.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

What has the rascally fellow done to you?

[Tracalio]

I wish the ankles of that fellow was smashed.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

What's the thing about which you are now disputing between yourselves?

[Tracalio]

I'll tell you.

[Grippus]

No, I'll tell you.

[Tracalio]

I fancy I am to move the matter first.

[Grippus]

If indeed you were a decent person, you would be moving yourself off from here.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Grippus, give attention and hold your tongue

[Grippus]

in order that that fellow may speak first.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Attend, I tell you to Tracalio. Do you say on.

[Grippus]

Will you give the right of speaking to a stranger sooner than to your own servant?

[Tracalio]

Oh dear, how impossible it is for him to be kept quiet. As I was beginning to say, that procurer who some little time since you turned out of the temple of Venus,

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

see, pointing at the wallet.

[Tracalio]

He has got his wallet.

[Grippus]

I haven't got it.

[Tracalio]

Do you deny that which I see with my own eyes?

[Grippus]

But I only wish you couldn't see I have got it and I haven't got it. Why do you trouble yourself about me? What things I do, in what way

[Tracalio]

you got it does matter, whether rightfully

[Grippus]

or wrongfully, if I didn't take it in the sea, there's not a reason why you shouldn't deliver me up to the cross. If I took it in the sea with my net, how is it yours rather than my own?

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

To daemon, he is deceiving you.

[Tracalio]

The matter happened in this way as I am telling you.

[Grippus]

What do you say?

[Tracalio]

So long as the person has the first right to speak is speaking. Doctor, put a check on him please. If he belongs to you, what do you wish?

[Grippus]

The same thing to be done to myself. That Your master has been accustomed to do to yourself if he is in the habit of putting a cheque upon you. This master of ours isn't in the

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

habit of doing so with us, Dukelio.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

In that remark only has he got the better of you. What do you want now? Tell me.

[Tracalio]

For my part, I neither ask for a share of that wallet there, nor have I ever said this day that it is my own. But in it there is a little casket that belongs to this female, pointing

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

to Palaestra, whom a short time since

[Tracalio]

I averred to be free born.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

You are speaking of her, I suppose, whom a short time since you said was my countrywoman.

[Tracalio]

Just so. And those trinkets which formerly when little she used to wear, are there in that casket which is in that wallet. This thing is of no service to him and will be of utility to her poor creature if he gives it up by means of which to seek her parents.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

I'll make em give it up. Hold your tongue, I' faith, I'm going

[Grippus]

to give nothing to that fellow.

[Tracalio]

I ask for nothing but the casket and the trinkets.

[Grippus]

What if they are made of gold?

[Tracalio]

What's that to you? Gold shall be paid for gold. Silver will have its weight and silver in return.

[Grippus]

Please let me see the gold. After that I'll let you see the casket.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Dymenes to Grippus, do you beware of

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

punishment and hold your tongue to Trocalio.

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[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

As you commence to speak, do you

[Tracalio]

go on this one thing I entreat of you that you will have compassion on this female, if indeed this wallet is that procurers, which I suspect it is. In this matter I am saying nothing of certainty to you, but only on conjecture.

[Grippus]

Ah, do you see how the rascal's wheedling him?

[Tracalio]

Allow me to say on as I commenced, if this is the wallet that belongs to that villain whose I say it is, these women here will be able to recognise it. Order him to show it to them,

[Grippus]

say you so to show it to them.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

He doesn't say unreasonably Grippus, that the wallet should be shown.

[Grippus]

Yes, faith confoundedly, unreasonably.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

How so?

[Grippus]

Because if I do show it at once, they'll say of course that they

[Tracalio]

recognize it source of villainy. Do you suppose that all other people are just like yourself, you author of perjury?

[Grippus]

All this I easily put up with,

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

so long as he pointing to Daimones

[Grippus]

is of my way of thinking.

[Tracalio]

But now he is against you.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

From this pointing to the wallet, will

[Tracalio]

he obtain true testimony?

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Griffiths, do you pay attention to explain in a few words what it is you want?

[Tracalio]

For my part I have stated it, but if you haven't understood me, I'll state it over again. Both of these women pointing to them, as I said, a short time since, ought to be free.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Pointing to Palaestra.

[Tracalio]

She was stolen at Athens when a little girl.

[Grippus]

Tell me what that has got to do with the wallet. Whether they are slaves or whether free women.

[Tracalio]

You wish it all to be told over again, you rascal, so that the day may fail us, leave off your

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

abuse and explain to me what I've been asking.

[Tracalio]

There ought to be a casket of wicker work in that wallet, in which are tokens by means of which she may be enabled to recognise her parents, by whom, when little she was lost at Athens. As I have said before, may Jupiter

[Grippus]

and the Gods confound you. What do you say, you sorcerer of a fellow? What, are these women dumb that they are not able to speak for themselves?

[Tracalio]

They are silent for this reason, because a silent woman is always better than a talking one.

[Grippus]

Then in faith, by your way of speaking, you are neither a man nor a woman to my notion.

[Tracalio]

How so?

[Grippus]

Why? Because neither talking nor silent are you ever good for anything. Prithee, shall I ever be allow'd to day to speak?

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

If you utter a single word more this day, I'll break your head for you.

[Tracalio]

As I had commenced to say it. Old gentleman, I beg you to order him to give up that casket to these young women. If for it he asks any reward for himself, it shall be paid, whatever else is there besides, let him keep for himself.

[Grippus]

Ah, now at last you say that because you are aware it is my right. Just now you were asking to go to halves.

[Tracalio]

Ay, and even still I ask it.

[Grippus]

I've seen a kite making a swoop, even when he got nothing at all.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

However, Daimon to Grypus.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Can't I shut your mouth without a

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

drubbing Grypus pointing to Tracalio?

[Grippus]

If that fellow is silent, I'll Be silent. If he talks, allow me to talk in my own behalf, please.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Now give me this wallet, Gripus.

[Grippus]

I'll trust it to you, but for you to return it to me, if there are none of those things in shall be returned. Take it.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Gives him the wallet.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Now then, listen. Pelaestra and epelisca, to this which I say, is this the wallet in which this procureur said that your casket was?

[Palaestra]

It is the same.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Grippus aside.

[Grippus]

Troth, to my sorrow, I'm undone. How? On the instant before she well saw it, she said that it was it.

[Palaestra]

I'll make this matter plain to you, instead of difficult. There ought to be a casket of wicker work there in that wallet. Whatever is in there, I'll state by name. Don't you show me anything. If I say wrong, I shall then have said this to no purpose. Then you shall keep these things, whatever is in there for yourselves. But if the truth. Then I entreat you that what is my own may be restored to me.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

I agree. You ask for bare justice only in my way of thinking at least, but

[Grippus]

a faith in mine for extreme injustice. What if she is a witch or a sorceress, and shall mention exactly everything that's in it? Is a sorceress to have it?

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

She shan't get it unless she tells the truth. In vain will she be conjuring. Unloose the wallet, then giving it to Grypus, that as soon as possible I may know what is the truth.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Grypus first unfastens the straps of the wallet and then hands it to his master.

[Grippus]

Take it. It's unfastened.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Dymenes takes out the casket.

[Grippus]

Alas, I am undone.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

I see the casket Daimanes holding it up and addressing Palaestra.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Is this it?

[Palaestra]

That is it. O my parents. Here do I keep you locked up. Here have I enclosed both my wealth and my hopes of recognizing you.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Grippus aside, then, by faith, the gods

[Grippus]

must be enraged with you, whoever you are, who fasten up your parents in so narrow a compass.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Grypus, come hither. Your cause is being tried to Palaestra. Do you, young woman, away at a distance there, say what's in it and of what appearance? Mention them all. By my troth, if you make ever so slight a mistake, even if afterwards you wish madam, to correct yourself, you'll be making a great mistake.

[Grippus]

You demand what's real? Justice.

[Tracalio]

By my troths. Then he doesn't demand yourself, for you are the opposite of justice.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Now then, say on, young woman. Grippus, give attention and hold your tongue.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

There are some trinkets Daimonis, looking in the casket.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

See, here they are. I espy them.

[Grippus]

Trepus, aside, in the first onset I am worsted.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Takes hold of the arm of Dymenes.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Hold.

[Grippus]

Don't be showing.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Of what description are they? Answer in their order.

[Palaestra]

In the first place there is a little sword of gold with an inscription.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Just tell me what the characters are upon that little sword.

[Palaestra]

The name of my father. Next, on the other side, there's a little two edged axe of gold, likewise with an inscription. There on the axe is the name of my mother.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Stay. Tell me, what's the name of your father upon the little sword?

[Palaestra]

Demones.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Immortal God, where in the world are my hopes?

[Grippus]

I? By my trough. And where are mine?

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Do proceed forthwith.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

I entreat you, Gryphus, aside cautiously, or

[Grippus]

else away to utter perdition.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Say, what's the name of your mother Here upon the little axe?

[Palaestra]

Daedalus.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

The gods will that I should be

[Grippus]

preserved, but that I should be ruin'd.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

This must be my own daughter, Grippus.

[Grippus]

She may be for me.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Indeed to Tracalio.

[Grippus]

May all the gods confound you, who this day saw me with your eyes and myself as well, for a blockhead who didn't look about a hundred times first to see that no one was watching me before I drew the net out of the water.

[Palaestra]

Next there is a little knife of silver and two little hands linked together. And then a little sow.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Grypus aside.

[Grippus]

Nay then go and be hanged, you with your little sow and with your little pigs.

[Palaestra]

There's also a golden drop which my father presented to me upon my birthday.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Undoubtedly there is, but I cannot restrain myself any longer from embracing you, my daughter. Blessings on you. I am that father who begot you. I am Daemones. And see your mother Daedalus is in

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

the house there, pointing to his cottage palaestra, embracing him.

[Palaestra]

Blessings on you, my unlooked for father.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Blessings on you. How joyously do I embrace you.

[Tracalio]

Tis a pleasure to me in as much as this falls to your lot from your feelings of affection.

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[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Come then, Trocalio, if you can, bring that wallet into the house.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Trocalio taking the wallet, see the villainy of Gripus.

[Tracalio]

Inasmuch Gripus, as this matter has turned out unfortunately for you, I congratulate you.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Come then, let's go, my daughter, to your mother, who will be better able to inquire of you into this matter from Proust, who had you more in her hands and is more thoroughly acquainted with your tokens.

[Tracalio]

Let's all go hence indoors, since we are giving our common aid.

[Palaestra]

Follow me. Am Pelesca, that the gods favour you.

[Ampalisca]

It is a pleasure to me.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

They all go into the cottage of Daimones, except Gryphus. Scene 5 Gryphus alone Gryphus to himself.

[Grippus]

Am I not a blockhead of a fellow to have this day fished up that wallet? Or when I had fished it up, not to have hidden it somewhere in a secret spot? By my troth, I guess that it would be a troublesome booty for me, because it fell to me in such troublous weather. Faith, I guess that there's plenty of gold and silver there. What is there better for me than to be off hence indoors and secretly hang myself? At least for a little time until this vexation passes away from me.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Goes into the cottage. Scene 6 Enter Dymenes from his cottage. Daimanes to himself.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

O ye immortal gods. What person is there more fortunate than I who unexpectedly have discovered my daughter? Isn't it the fact that if the gods will a blessing to befall any person that longed for pleasure by some means or other falls to the lot of the virtuous. Ay. This day a thing that I never hoped for nor yet believed have unexpectedly discovered my daughter and I shall bestow her upon a respectable young man of noble family, an Athenian and my kinsman. For that reason I wish him to be fetched hither to me as soon as possible And I've requested my servant to come out here, that he may go to the forum. Still I'm surprised at it that he hasn't yet come out. I think I'll go to the door.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Opens the door and looks in what do I behold?

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Embracing her my wife is clasping my daughter around her neck. Her caressing is really almost too foolish and sickening.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Goes to the door again and calls

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

out twere better, wife for an end to be made at last of your kissing and make all ready that I may perform a sacrifice when I come indoors in honour of the household gods. Inasmuch as they have increased our family at home I have lambs and swine for sacred use. But why, ladies, are you detaining that Procalio? Ah, I see he's coming out of doors very seasonably.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

SCENE VII Enter Tracalio from the cottage. Tracalio speaking to those within, wheresoever he shall be.

[Tracalio]

I'll seek Placippitus out at once and bring him together with me to you.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Tell him how this matter has fallen out about my daughter. Request him to leave other occupations and to come here.

[Tracalio]

Very well.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Tell him that I'll give him my daughter for a wife.

[Tracalio]

Very well.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

And that I knew his father and that he is a relation of mine own.

[Tracalio]

Very well.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

But do make haste.

[Tracalio]

Very well.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Take care, and let a dinner be prepared here at once.

[Tracalio]

Very well.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

What? All very well.

[Tracalio]

Very well. But do you know what it is I want of you? That you'll remember what you promised. That this day I am to be free.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Very well.

[Tracalio]

Take care and entreat Placidippus to give me my freedom.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Very well.

[Tracalio]

Let your daughter request it. She'll easily prevail.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Very well.

[Tracalio]

That Anne Polisca may marry me when I am a free man.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Very well.

[Tracalio]

That I may experience a pleasing return to myself in kindness for my actions.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Very well.

[Tracalio]

What? All very well.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Very well. Again I return you thanks. But do you make haste to proceed to the city forthwith and betake yourself hither again?

[Tracalio]

Very well. I'll be here directly. In the meantime, do you make the other preparations that are necessary.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Exit Trocalio.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Very well. May Hercules ill befriend him with his very welling. He has so stuffed my ears with it. Whatever it was I said. Very well was the answer.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Scene 8 Enter Grippus from the cottage.

[Grippus]

How soon may I have a word with you, Daemones?

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

What's your business, Gryphus?

[Grippus]

Touching that wallet? If you are wise, be wise. Keep what goods the gods provide you.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Does it seem right to you that what belongs to another I should assert to be mine own?

[Ptolemocratia]

What?

[Grippus]

Not a thing that I found in the sea.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

So much the better. Does it happen for him who lost it? None the more. Is it necessary that it should be

[Grippus]

your wallet for this reason are you poor because you are too scrupulously righteous?

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

O Grippus. Grippus. In the life of man very many traps there are. In what they are deceived by guile and by my troth, full often is a bait placed in them, which bait if any greedy person greedily snaps at through his own greediness, he is Caught in the trap. He who prudently skilfully and warily takes precaution full long he may enjoy that which is honestly acquired. This booty seems to me to be about to be made a booty of by me, that it may go hence with a greater blessing than it first came. What ought I to conceal? What I know was brought to me as belonging to another. By no means will my friend daemones do that. Tis ever most becoming for prudent men to be on their guard against this, that they be not themselves confederates with their servants in evil doing. Except only when I'm gaming. I don't care for any gain.

[Grippus]

At times I've seen the comedians, when acting in this fashion, repeat sayings in a wise manner, and be applauded for them when they pointed out this prudent conduct to the public. But when each person went thence his own way home, there wasn't one after the fashion which they had recommended.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Go indoors. Don't be troublesome. Moderate your tongue. I'm going to give you nothing. Don't you deceive yourself, Grypus apart.

[Grippus]

Then I pray the gods that whatever's in that wallet, whether it's gold or whether silver, it may all become ashes,

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

goes into the cottage. Scene 9 Daimonies alone Ah.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

This is the reason why we have bad servants. For this master, if he had combined with any servant, would have made both himself and the other guilty of a theft. While he was thinking that he himself had made a capture in the meantime, he himself would have been made a capture. Capture would have led to capture. Now, why go indoors from here and sacrifice? After that I'll at once order the dinner to be cooked for us.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Goes into the cottage. End of Act 4. Act V Of Rudens or the Fisherman's Rope by Titus Macchius Plautus Translated by Henry Thomas Riley this is a Librivox recording. All Librivox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librivox.org Act V Scene 1 Enter Placidippus and Trachalio at the further end of the stage.

[Placidippus]

Tell me all these things over again. My life, my tracalio, my freed man, my patron. Ay, rather, my father. Has Palaestra found her father and mother?

[Tracalio]

She has found them.

[Placidippus]

And is she my countrywoman?

[Tracalio]

So I think.

[Placidippus]

And is she to marry me?

[Tracalio]

So I suspect.

[Placidippus]

Prithee, do you reckon that he will betroth her to me?

[Labrax]

Polio?

[Tracalio]

So I reckon.

[Placidippus]

Well, shall I congratulate her father too, upon his finding her so I reckon well, her mother too, so I reckon what then do you reckon?

[Tracalio]

What you ask me, I reckon Tell

[Placidippus]

me then, how much do you reckon it at?

[Grippus]

What I I reckon then really do

[Placidippus]

carry over don't be always making a reckoning so I reckon what if I run?

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Pretends to run so I reckon or rather gently this way he walks slowly,

[Placidippus]

so I reckon Ought I to salute her as well when I arrive?

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[Tracalio]

So I reckon her father too, so

[Placidippus]

I reckon after that her mother so I reckon and what after that when I arrive should I also embrace her

[Tracalio]

father, so I don't reckon well, her

[Placidippus]

mother, so I don't reckon well her

[Tracalio]

own self, so I don't reckon Confusion.

[Placidippus]

He has closed his reckoning now when I wish him, he doesn't reckon.

[Tracalio]

You are not in your senses. Follow me.

[Placidippus]

Conduct me my patron, where you please.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

They go into the cottage of Dymenes. Scene II Enter Labrax at a distance. Labrax to himself.

[Labrax]

What other mortal being is there living this day more wretched than myself, whom before the commissioned judges Placidippus has just now cast? Palaestra has just been taken from me by a wart. I am ruined outright. But I do believe that procures were procreated for mere sport. So much do all persons make sport if any misfortune befalls a procurer. Now I'll go look here in the temple of Venus for that other female. For her at least, I may take away the only portion of my property that remains.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

He retires a little distance. Scene 3 Enter Grippus from the cottage of Daimenes with a spit in his hand, Grypus calling to the people within,

[Grippus]

by the powers you shall never this day at nightfall behold Grippus alive. Unless the wallet is restored to me,

[Labrax]

I'm ready to die. When I hear mention made anywhere of a wallet, I'm thumped, as it were, with a stake upon the breast.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Gryphus at the door.

[Grippus]

That scoundrel is free. I, the person that held the net in the sea and drew up the wallet to him you refuse to give anything.

[Labrax]

O ye immortal gods. By his talk this person has made me prick up my ears.

[Grippus]

Grippus, buy my troth in letters a cubit long. I'll immediately post it up in every quarter. If any person has lost a wallet with plenty of gold and silver, let him come to Griffiths. You shan't keep it as you are wishing,

[Labrax]

I' faith. This person knows, as I think, who has got the wallet. This person must be accosted by me. Ye gods, aid me. I do entreat you.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Some one calls Gryphus from within.

[Grippus]

Why are you calling me back indoors?

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

He rubs away at the spit.

[Grippus]

I want to clean this here before the door. But surely this in faith has been made of rust and not of iron, so that the more I rub it it becomes quite red and more slender. Why, surely this spit has been drugged. It does waste away so in my hands.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Labrax, accosting him.

[Labrax]

Safe you, young man.

[Grippus]

May the gods prosper you with your shorn pate.

[Labrax]

What's going on?

[Grippus]

A spit being clean'd.

[Labrax]

How do you do?

[Grippus]

What are you prithee? Are you a mendicant?

[Labrax]

No, I' faith I am more than a mendicant by one letter.

[Grippus]

Then you are a mendicant.

[Labrax]

You've hid it to a nicety.

[Grippus]

Your appearance seems suitable to it. But what's the matter with you troth this?

[Labrax]

Last night I was shipwrecked at sea. The vessel was cast away, and to my misfortune I lost there everything that I had.

[Grippus]

What did you lose?

[Labrax]

A wallet with plenty of gold and silver.

[Grippus]

Do you at all remember what there was in the wallet which was lost?

[Labrax]

What matters for us now to be talking of it, if in spite of it it's lost?

[Grippus]

What if I know who has found it? I wish to learn from you the tokens.

[Labrax]

800 golden pieces were there in a purse, besides a hundred Philippian meini in a wash leather bag.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Apart Gryphus aside, troth, it is a noble prize.

[Grippus]

I shall be getting a handsome reward. The gods show respect to mortals. Therefore I shall come off bounteously rewarded. No doubt it is this man's wallet. To Laprax do you proceed to relate the rest?

[Labrax]

Lam, a large talend of silver of full weight was in the purse besides a bowl, a goblet, a beaker, a boat and a cup.

[Grippus]

Astonishing. You really did have some splendid riches.

[Labrax]

A shocking expression is that, and a most abominable one. You did have, and now have not.

[Grippus]

What would you be ready to give to one who should find These out for you and give you information.

[Labrax]

Say speedily and at 300 dyedracms.

[Grippus]

Rubbish.

[Labrax]

400 old thrums. 500.

[Grippus]

Ha ha. A rotten nut.

[Labrax]

600.

[Grippus]

You are prating about mere tiny weevils.

[Labrax]

I'll give 700.

[Grippus]

Your mouth is hot. You are cooling it just now.

[Labrax]

I'll give a thousand dyedracums.

[Grippus]

Ha ha. You are dreaming.

[Labrax]

I add no more. Be off with you.

[Grippus]

Hear me then. If in faith I should be off from here, I shan't be here.

[Labrax]

Would you like a hundred as well as the thousand?

[Grippus]

You are asleep.

[Labrax]

Say how much you ask that you

[Grippus]

mayn't be adding anything against your inclination. A great talent. It's not possible for three OBOLs to be baited thence. Then do you say either yes or no at once.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Laprex aside.

[Labrax]

What's to be done here? It's a matter of necessity. I see. To Grippus the talent shall be paid.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Grippus. Going towards the altar?

[Grippus]

Just step this way. I wish Venus here to put the question to you.

[Labrax]

Whatever you please, that command me touch

[Grippus]

this altar of Venus.

[Labrax]

Touching it, I am touching it.

[Grippus]

My Venus here. Must you swear to me What? Must I swear what I shall bid?

[Labrax]

You dictate in words, just as you like. What I've got at home, I shall never beg of anyone else.

[Grippus]

Take hold of this altar.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Laprax. Taking hold of it.

[Labrax]

I am taking hold of it.

[Grippus]

Swear that you will pay me the money on that same day on which you shall gain possession of. Of the wallet.

[Labrax]

Be it so.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Grippus speaking, while Labrax repeats after him.

[Grippus]

Venus of Cyrene. Venus of Cyrene, I invoke thee as my witness.

[Labrax]

I invoke thee as my witness.

[Grippus]

If I shall find that wallet which I lost in the ship.

[Labrax]

If I shall find that wallet which I lost in the ship.

[Grippus]

Safe with the gold and silver.

[Labrax]

Safe with the gold and silver.

[Grippus]

And it shall come into my possession.

[Labrax]

And it shall come into my possession.

[Grippus]

Then to this grypus do I promise. Say so, and place your hand upon me.

[Labrax]

Then to this grypus do I promise. Venus, do thou hear me?

[Grippus]

That I will forthwith give him a great talent of silver.

[Labrax]

That I will forthwith give him a great talent of silver.

[Grippus]

If you defraud me, say, may Venus utterly destroy your body and. And your existence and your calling aside as it is. Do you have this for yourself when you've once taken the oath?

[Labrax]

If Venus I shall do anything amiss against this oath, I supplicate thee that all procurers may henceforth be wretched Gryphus

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

aside as it is, it shall be

[Grippus]

so, even if you do keep your oath.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Do you wait here going towards the

[Grippus]

cottage, I'll at once make the old gentleman come out. Do you forthwith demand of him that

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

wallet goes in Labrax to himself.

[Labrax]

If ever so much he shall restore to me this wallet. I'm not this day indebted to him. Three OBOLs even. It's according to my own intention. What my tongue swears.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

The door opens, but I'll hold my peace.

[Labrax]

See here, he's coming out and bringing the old man.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Scene 4 Enter Grippus, followed by Daimanes with the wallet.

[Grippus]

Follow this way.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Where is the procureur to Laprax?

[Grippus]

Hark. You see now this person pointing at

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Dymenes and has got your wallet.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

I have got it, and I confess that it is in my possession. And if it's yours, you may have it. Everything just as each particular was in it shall in like manner be given

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

safe to you holding it out.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Take it if it's yours.

[Labrax]

Immortal gods, it is mine.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Takes it.

[Labrax]

Welcome, dear wallet.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Is it yours?

[Labrax]

Do you ask the question? If indeed I faith, it were in Jove's possession. Still it is my own.

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[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Everything in it is safe. There has only been one casket taken out of it with some trinkets. By means of which this day I have found my daughter.

[Labrax]

What person?

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Palaestra, who was your property. She has been discovered to be my own daughter.

[Labrax]

By my troth, it has happily turned out so. Since this matter has happen'd so fortunately for you, according to your wishes, I

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

am rejoiced in that I don't readily believe you.

[Labrax]

Ay, by my faith, that you may be sure that I'm rejoiced. You shan't give me three ovals for her.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

I excuse you in faith. You are acting kindly.

[Labrax]

No troth, it's really yourself indeed that's

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

doing it, going off with the wallet.

[Grippus]

Hark you. You've got the wallet now I have got it. Make haste.

[Labrax]

Make haste about what?

[Grippus]

To pay me the money.

[Labrax]

By my troth, I'll Neither give you anything, nor do I owe you anything.

[Grippus]

What mode of proceeding is this? Don't you owe it to me?

[Labrax]

Troth, not I indeed.

[Grippus]

Didn't you promise it me upon your oath?

[Labrax]

I did take an oath, and now I'll take an oath, if it is in any way my own pleasure. Oaths were invented for preserving property, not for losing it.

[Grippus]

Give me, will you, a great talent of silver, you most perjur'd fellow.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Gryphus. What talent is it you are asking him for?

[Grippus]

He promised it me on oath.

[Labrax]

I chose to swear, turning to Dymenes. Are you the priest? As to my perjury?

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Dymenes to Grippus.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

For what reason did he promise you

[Grippus]

the money if I restored this wallet into his hands? He swore that he would give me a great talent of silver.

[Labrax]

Find me a person with whom I may go to the judge to decide whether you did not make the bargain with wicked fraudulence, and whether I am yet 5 and 20 years old.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Grippus, pointing to Daimanes, go to the judge with him.

[Labrax]

No, I must have some other person.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Dymenes to Laprex.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Then I shan't allow you to take it away from him, unless I shall have found him guilty. Did you promise him the money?

[Labrax]

I confess it.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

What you promis'd my slave must needs be mine own. Don't you be supposing, procureurur, that you are to be using your pimping honesty here. That can't be.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Grippus to Labrax.

[Grippus]

Did you fancy now that you had got hold of a person whom you might cheat? It must be paid down here, holding

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

his hand, good silver coin.

[Grippus]

I shall at once pay it to

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

him, pointing to Dymenes, so that he

[Grippus]

may give me my liberty.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Inasmuch therefore, as I have acted courteously towards you, and by my means, these things pointing to the wallet have been saved for you.

[Grippus]

If faith by my means.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Rather don't say by yours, Daimanes to

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Grypus, if you are prudent, you'll hold your tongue. Then it befits you, in a like courteous manner, kindly to return the obligation to myself, who so well merit the same.

[Labrax]

You are pleading, of course, for my right.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

It would be a wonder if I didn't, at a loss to myself, ask you to forego your right.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Grippus aside, I'm all right.

[Grippus]

The procureur's giving way. My freedom is at hand.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Dymenes, pointing to Gryphus, he found this wallet.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

He is my slave. I therefore have preserved this for you, together with A large sum of money.

[Labrax]

I return you thanks. And with regard to the talent that I promised on oath to him, there's no reason that you shouldn't receive it.

[Grippus]

Hark, you give it me then.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

If you are wise, Dymenes, will you

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

hold your tongue or not?

[Grippus]

You pretend to be acting on my side. I tell you, by my troth, you shan't do me out of that. If I did lose other booty, you

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

shall have a beating if you add a single word.

[Grippus]

Troth now, do you kill me even? I'll never be silent on any terms unless my mouth is shut.

[Labrax]

With the talent for yourself, in fact, Is he using his exertions? Do hold your tongue.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Step this way, procureur.

[Labrax]

Very well.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

They walk on one side.

[Grippus]

Proceed openly. I don't want any whisperings or mumblings to be going on.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Tell me, at what price did you buy that other young woman?

[Labrax]

I paid down a thousand died racums.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Should you like me to make you a handsome offer?

[Labrax]

I should like it much.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

I'll divide the talent. You act fairly for that other woman, that she may be free. Take you one half and give the other half to him by all means. For that half I'll give his freedom to Grifus, by means of whom you found your wallet. And I my daughter.

[Labrax]

You act fairly. I return you many thanks.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

They return to Grypus.

[Grippus]

How soon then is the money to be returned to me?

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

The money's paid, Gryphus. I've got it.

[Grippus]

You faith, but I had rather it were myself.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

In faith, there's nothing for you here, so don't you be expecting it. I wish you to release him from his oath.

[Grippus]

Grypus aside, troth, I'm undone. If I don't hang myself, I'm utterly done for. I faith, after this day you certainly shall never be cheating me again.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Dine here to day, Procureur.

[Labrax]

Be it so? The proposal is to my taste.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Do you both follow me indoors?

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

He comes forward and addresses the audience.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Spectators, I would invite you to dinner as well, were it not that I am going to give nothing, and that there is no good cheer at all at home. And if too, I didn't believe that you are invited to dinner elsewhere. But if you shall be willing to give hearty applause to this play. Do you all come to make merry at my house some 16 years hence?

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

To Laprax and Gryphus.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Do you both dine here with me to day?

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

Be it so, Daimon. To the audience.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

Now give us your applause.

[Narrator / Stage Directions]

End of act. Voodon's or the Fisherman's Rope by Titus Macius Plautus Translated by Henry Thomas Riley.

[Daimones / Drew McIntyre]

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